Hove resident draws up King Alfred plans (From The Argus)

Hove resident draws up King Alfred plans

A resident has drawn up his own blueprint for the King Alfred Leisure Centre redevelopment plans.

NEW LOOK: Simon James's concept

Simon James, who hopes to win backing from a developer, has proposed Brighton and Hove City Council should build a new sports arena, including an ice rink and swimming pool.

He unveiled the scheme after Mike Weatherley, who will stand for the Conservatives in Hove at the next general election, distributed leaflets asking residents for their ideas for the site in Kingsway, Hove.

He created a video of his vision on his website www.01273.info and has delivered flyers around the area to try to gather support.

NEW LOOK: Simon James's concept

Mr James, who grew up and lives in Brighton, believed his idea was more in line with what people wanted than the scrapped £250 million complex of residential tower blocks and a sports centre designed by Frank Gehry.

Mr James said: “Obviously my design is about the space and layout of the facilities rather than its facade, which I hope viewers of the animation will understand, but with creative minds and architects it could be made to look really nice.”

After a favourable response from Mr Weatherley he has now pitched the idea to council leader Mary Mears and cabinet members David Smith and Ted Kemble.

They have yet to formally respond.

Councillor Kemble, cabinet member for major projects, said there had been renewed interest in the King Alfred site and several developers had held talks with the council but he refused to disclose any details.

The council has recently spent around £3 million to revamp the existing facilities.

Coun Kemble said it was unlikely to be developed for at least three or four years.