Community Engagement

Overview

Brighton & Hove City Council has prioritised community involvement in the redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre. Since Autumn 2022, a structured, multi-phase engagement strategy has been implemented to ensure that the voices of residents, sports clubs, community groups, and other stakeholders are integral to the project’s development.

 

A class of older women doing Yoga together
Innerva Active Ageing suite lifestyle image

Engagement Phases

Phase 1: September – December 2022

Initial consultations targeted core users of the existing facility, including:

  • Leaseholders such as the boxing club.

  • Regular hirers, including various sports clubs and community organisations.

The focus was on understanding the needs and expectations of those most familiar with the current centre.

 

Phase 2: January 2023 – December 2023

This phase expanded outreach to a broader audience:

  • An all-day drop-in event in April 2023.

  • A ‘visioning workshop’ with approximately 40 participants representing residents, community groups, and sports clubs.

  • Collaborations with partners like the Trust for Developing Communities to engage minoritized ethnic groups and younger residents.

 

Woman lifts a kettlebell in a squatting position

Key feedback included desires for:

  • Facilities for badminton, martial arts, dance, and activities tailored for children and older adults.

  • Enhanced accessibility features, such as adaptive equipment, audio points, and color-coded wayfinding.

  • Sustainable building practices, including energy efficiency and the use of recyclable materials.

 

Phase 3: January – February 2024

With two potential sites identified—the existing King Alfred site and land south of Sainsbury’s (LSS)—the council sought public opinion on location preferences:

  • An online questionnaire received over 3,600 responses.

  • Multiple drop-in sessions were held across the city, including at:

    • King Alfred Leisure Centre.

    • St Richard’s Community Centre.

    • Portslade Library.

    • Portslade Sports Centre.

    • Hove Library.

    • Hangleton Community Centre.

 

A woman swimming underwater pushes off from the wall of the pool

Findings indicated:

  • Approximately 70% of respondents believed a new facility at the existing site would support their active and healthy lifestyle.

  • Concerns about the LSS site included potential impacts on noise, traffic, parking, and the displacement of existing users like Portslade Cricket Club.

  • A sentiment analysis of open-ended responses revealed a strong preference for continuity at the current site, with some residents expressing opposition to development on either site due to various concerns.

 

Phase 4: May 2025

Organised by Alliance Leisure and Brighton Council, these four focus groups—held between 26 April and 6 May 2025—included a diverse mix of current users and key stakeholders: sports clubs, community groups, and disability representatives. Sessions were facilitated by Active Insight

 

Mixed group of kids in a swimming lesson listen to the teacher

Key findings:

  • Current Users prioritised inclusive, affordable access to fitness and wellbeing services. Barriers included transport, cost, and facilities not meeting diverse needs. They expressed a strong desire for transparency and reinvestment from any future operator.

  • Sports Clubs highlighted the need for modern, bookable multi-use spaces and better equipment. They stressed the importance of being involved in shaping programming.

  • Community Groups emphasised physical activity’s role in community cohesion. Barriers included session timing, unclear communications, and lack of cultural relevance. They requested more engagement in future planning.

  • Disability Representatives called for sensory-aware, emotionally safe design. Priorities included accessible changing rooms, hydrotherapy, inclusive equipment, staff training, and regular inclusive sessions at standard times.

Overall, participants across all groups asked for clearer communication, transparency in decision-making, and a facility that truly reflects the needs of the full community.

 

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Reference Group

To maintain ongoing dialogue, a Reference Group was established in October 2023:

  • Members were selected from previous engagement participants who expressed interest in continued involvement.

  • The group comprises representatives from sports clubs, resident associations, and national governing bodies, ensuring diverse perspectives.

  • Meetings are held to discuss project updates, gather feedback, and ensure community interests remain central to the redevelopment process.

 

Your insights and feedback are invaluable. We encourage all community members to stay engaged and contribute to shaping a leisure centre that reflects the needs and aspirations of Brighton & Hove.