King Alfred, Hove -
About our vision

How we can reuse the existing King Alfred

A major advantage of our alternative vision is that it does not treat the existing King Alfred as disposable. Instead, the current structure becomes the core of a larger, phased expansion.

This reuse-led approach is likely to materially reduce demolition waste and embodied carbon when compared with full site clearance and rebuild. See our Sustainability page.

Key reuses include:

• The 1980s pool hall is covered over and repurposed into a premier multi-use Sports & Events Hall, with spectator seating and the ability to host competitions, performances and large community events.

• Existing Sports Hall 1 becomes a secondary multipurpose Sports Hall 2, designed for training, clubs, schools, community sport and flexible hire (with little to no spectator seating).

• Existing Sports Hall 2 is repurposed into wet changing and aquatic support space, forming the practical backbone of the new Aquatic Centre.

• The west-side deck above the existing tenpin bowling is used to add a full-size ice rink, stacking major uses efficiently without expanding the overall footprint.

• The east-side open-air children’s play area becomes the Aquatic Centre, delivering a true family water destination within the existing site boundary.

• The existing ballroom is retained and upgraded, remaining available for events, community hire, exhibitions, presentations, and flexible non-sport use.

• Throughout the complex, other spaces are reused to the fullest, creating a layered building that supports sport, leisure, education, hospitality and year-round activity.