A proposal for a £3million, year-round leisure facility on Brighton seafront is to be considered at Brighton & Hove City Council’s economic development and culture committee next week, Thursday, March 12.
THE scheme, submitted by Brighton based developer Copsemill Properties and partners, is planned for the former Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive in Kemp Town, which has remained derelict for several years.
The proposal includes a 50m heated open air pool, changing facilities, a café, indoor endless pools, exercise studios, facilities for cycling and running and on-site bike storage.
The centre would serve as a hub for swimming and sports-related businesses with office space and meeting rooms, units for sports-related retailers, including pop-up-shops for special events taking place on Madeira Drive, training rooms, a library and lecture theatre.
The swim centre would be the core of the development and provide escorted sea swims, training for lifeguards, open water and leisure swimmers, and education about open water safety for children and parents.
The proposal also includes a plan to create a boardwalk to facilitate access to the beach and sea for disabled users.
Funding for the project would be through private investment, at no cost to the council.
Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of BHCC’s Economic Development & Culture Committee, said: “As owners of the Peter Pan site we have been marketing it for redevelopment as a leisure facility that would enhance the area and draw in residents and visitors.
“This development would not only be a centre of excellence for the increasingly popular sport of open water swimming but also appeal to families, fitness enthusiasts and beach visitors.”
Should the committee grant an initial consent, the developers may then seek planning permission following a public consultation.
Final agreement for the project to proceed would still be required by the council’s Policy & Resources Committee.