Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Subject: Sports Facilities Investment Plan progress update
Date of meeting: 14th October 2025
Report of: Chair of Place Overview & Scrutiny
Contact Officer: Name: Natalie Sacks-Hammond
Email: Natalie.sacks-hammond@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 This report to Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee is to update members on the progress made and the future priorities for the Sports Facilities Investment Plan (SFIP) which was introduced in 2021. Appendix 1 presents the highlights of what has been delivered so far as part of the plan and the priorities moving forward.
2.1 Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes the report.
3.1 The Sports Facilities Investment Plan was introduced in 2021, where it acknowledged that the public sports centres and swimming pools in the city were showing their age and there was a need for good quality, accessible and sustainable facilities which can better serve local residents.
3.2 Through the analysis, review and consultation process undertaken, a long-term strategic vision was recommended for the city which provides a range of opportunities and development options. Specifically, the creation of three large hub facilities to serve the city;
· West Hub – A replacement for King Alfred Leisure Centre
· North Hub – increased provision at Withdean Sports Complex
· East Hub – site to be decided (current Prince Regent Swimming Complex)
3.3 These larger hubs would enable investment in and be supplemented by a small network of locally accessible community leisure facilities supporting the needs of local residents.
3.4 A number of significant projects have been delivered or have progressed at the North Hub (Withdean Sports Complex) over the last few years significantly improving participation and income. These include four new small sided 3G All Weather pitches, an interactive soft play facility (Level Up), a refurbished Multi Use Games Area for pickleball, netball, tennis and 3v3 basketball and plans for a new swimming pool.
3.5 Further projects have been delivered at community facilities located in areas of deprivation within the city such as at Stanley Deason Leisure Centre. Improvements include the introduction of LED lighting, new sports hall flooring, cricket nets and refurbished 3G and astro turf pitches. A new 3G pitch also planned at Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre with a focus on supporting women’s sports. More recently a gym expansion and refurbishment project has started at Portslade Sports Centre in Mile Oak.
3.6 Appendix 1 shows the timeline for priority projects moving forward including current live projects such as the procurement for a new leisure centre operator, the swimming pool at Withdean Sports Complex and the development of the new King Alfred Leisure Centre.
4.1 None for this scrutiny report
5.1 None for this scrutiny report. However, the views of local people on local sport and leisure provision have been gathered through robust feedback from key internal and external stakeholders, and consultation through an online public survey.
6.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from this report which is for noting.
6.2 Projects that have received approval and are currently in the delivery phase of works are included within the council’s Capital Programme. Spend against these projects’ budgets are monitored at the council’s capital programme board and reported as part of the councils TBM reports. These are currently under review as part of the work being requested by the Capital Programme Board.
6.3 On-going revenue implications for these projects are included within the MTFS and form part of the budget setting process for 2026/27 and beyond.
6.4 For projects in the pipeline, feasibility and options reports are required for which costs are currently met from within Sports Facilities revenue budgets.
6.5 Any new projects will require a separate business case before being approved. They are required to demonstrate Value for Money, and clearly outlining the on-going revenue costs associated with new projects. If the associated revenue costs are over and above the current leisure budgets resource consideration of the impact on the council’s MTFP will be required. Approving projects with unfunded revenue costs creates financial risk for the council and will add to the estimated budget gap over the next 4 years. Other sources of funding will need to be identified, such an assessment of income generated from the new proposal, capital receipts, commuted sums or s106 receipts.
6.6 New schemes approved will be added to the capital programme with appropriate funding for the projects identified and either included within the Targeted Budget Monitoring report to Cabinet or presented as a single report.
Name of finance officer consulted: Craig Garoghan Date consulted: 06/10/2025
7.1 Legal services continue to work closely with the project team to advise on
the implementation of the SFIP and legal implications of further decisions will be reported in future reports. Legal services have provided advice and assistance on specific projects such as the King Alfred redevelopment and on various projects at Withdean Sports Complex.
Name of lawyer consulted: Eleanor Richards Date consulted (01/10/25)
8.1 None specifically for this scrutiny report
9.1 None specifically for this scrutiny report
10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
10.1 None specifically for this scrutiny report
11.1 Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee notes the update report on the Sports
Facilities Investment Plan.
Supporting Documentation
1. Sports Facilities Investment Plan update