More than 220 people have shared their opinions on the proposed redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre since the plans went public.
At the time of writing there were 203 objections and 23 supporting comments for Brighton and Hove City Council’s £65 million plans.
The council wants to build new swimming pools and sports facilities on the current car park and former tenpin bowling alley site in Kingsway, Hove.
The building design has come under fire for being “blocky” and families have criticised the lack of a lagoon-style leisure pool.
There are comments welcoming the scheme but critical of the design and facilities while others want to see the existing 1930s building refurbished.
One anonymous objector, whose details were redacted by the council, said: “I am in support of the development as a whole but I do not feel the current design is adequate.
“The current pool has a leisure area for small children and families. This does not appear to have been included in the new design.
“If you compare it to Splashpoint, in Worthing, which has a leisure pool area and diving pool, or the Pavilions in the Park, in Horsham, which has a lazy river and leisure area, there is definitely scope for better facilities.”
Another anonymous objector said: “This current design offers nothing that isn’t already available at Sea Lanes or the Prince Regent.
“Residents will still have to travel to Burgess Hill or Worthing for slides, etc.
“Brighton needs this – slides, a lazy river and a lagoon area for small children.”
An anonymous supporter, whose details were also redacted by the council, said: “I’ve lived in the city since childhood and, in my view, the current facility is no longer fit for purpose.
“It feels outdated and the layout and overall condition don’t meet what people expect from a modern leisure centre. It’s not somewhere I would currently choose to use.
“The proposed design is a big improvement. In particular, the upgraded gym stands out – a larger, better-equipped space would make a real difference to me. It’s the kind of facility I would actually use on a regular basis.”
Another anonymous supporter said: “The existing leisure centre has no architectural merit. It is a tired, utilitarian structure that has long since passed its useful life.
“Claims that it represents part of Brighton and Hove’s architectural heritage are not made in good faith and should be treated accordingly.
“The planning authority should scrutinise these assertions carefully rather than accept them at face value.”
Campaigners have organised a protest outside the King Alfred Ballroom on Saturday 28 March at 11.45am.
To view the application, search for BH2026/00490 on the council’s website. Registration is required to comment.