Developers have accused the council of standing in the way of the redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

A panel of experts told a packed Hove Town Hall meeting that developers would not “sign cheques” until the local authority showed some commitment to the project.

If redeveloped, the “unique site” could become an “international leisure destination”, they added.

The packed meeting, which was organised by Hove MP Mike Weatherley, saw more than 20 residents turned away at the doors.

The lively audience listened to two panels of experts discussing proposals for the site as well as representatives from other local authorities speaking about their experiences with similar projects.

A request was sent for a representative from the ruling Green Party on Brighton and Hove City Council, but they declined.

Conservative group leader Geoffrey Theobald instead represented the local authority on the panel.

Mr Weatherley said: “I’m angry that they didn’t send anybody. This was a great opportunity to come and listen to what people have to say on the issue.

“It just needs someone to have the vision and the courage to do something about it.

“Somebody needs to stick their head above the parapet.”

Adrian Black, from Totem Commercial, told the meeting that council involvement was crucial.

He said: “I’ve been speaking with builders, developers and architects for the last few weeks and they all tell me the same thing.

“They will only get excited about this once there is a framework and something they can start spending money towards.

“No one will start writing cheques until then. My main hope from this meeting is that the council can be moved forward.”

He added that the project was a “fantastic opportunity” and that it would be a “tragedy” if the development didn’t go further than simply a leisure centre.

Kevin Doyle, of City Partnerships, which includes city businessman John Regan, said: “The problem is leisure doesn’t make money. It must be a mix of commercial and leisure so the commercial can help support.”

Mr Weatherley added that he would push the council to make progress on the issue.