Residents can now finally see what the new King Alfred development will look like – 12 days after the winning bidder was selected.

These are the first glimpses of the new £40 million public sports centre and the 560 homes on the King Alfred site that will fianance the major seafront redevelopment.

Local businessman and charity founder Rob Starr along with house builder Crest Nicholson were selected as the preferred bidders for the site at a behind closed doors council meeting last month.

These first images are said to be "indicative" with more detailed plans to be worked up as part of public consultation to be held this summer.

It is expected that a planning application will be submitted at the start of next year with

Cllr Warren Morgan, chair of the council’s policy and resources committee and council leader, said: “I’m pleased that we can now show residents the initial designs of what will be a high-quality but deliverable leisure centre on the King Alfred site.

"It’s important we consult with local residents however it is vital that we move forward with the much-needed and unavoidable replacement of the ninety-year old facility, one that costs huge sums to keep running.”

Duncan Innes, regional development director at Crest Nicholson, said: “Our proposals incorporate world-class leisure and community facilities set to benefit local residents, together with outstanding new mixed tenure residential properties in this enviable location on the Hove seafront.”

Rob Starr, chairman and founder of the Starr Trust said: “At the Starr Trust we are looking forward immensely to our proposed community hub bringing a real addition to community life - family and young people’s events, community activity, skills development and training, cultural activities and so on – as part of the scheme, contributing to a regenerated seafront to the West of the City that will be a joy for everyone.

"I know that the coming months and years will bring many challenges, but we will do all we can to give the city the very best of us.”