THE future of a major new leisure centre and homes development hangs in the balance after the building firm missed its “final” deadline to commit to the project.

Developer Crest Nicholson had until Wednesday to agree to go ahead with plans for the council-owned King Alfred on Hove seafront.

But now the council says the firm wants more time to consider whether the project – which includes 560 flats – is still viable.

Only this year the government pledged £15million towards the new homes.

Tory councillor Robert Nemeth said the long-awaited scheme was “falling apart in front of our very eyes”.

The city council said Crest had given assurances that it was still committed to the 18-storey development, despite not having signed the deal by Wednesday. The council confirmed to the Argus that this date had been set as the “final” deadline.

Cllr Nemeth, for neighbouring Wish ward, said: “Missing the final deadline, which includes a two-year extension already, represents quite outrageous treatment of the people of Hove by Crest Nicholson.

“If the project now falls apart, the administration will have wasted something in the region of £4 million.”

Conservative councillor Andrew Wealls, whose Central Hove ward includes the King Alfred, called the current situation “ridiculous” and “frustrating”.

He said: “I understand this is a complex development but sooner or later someone has to make a decision.

“Everyone is entitled to be very frustrated.”

He has complained to the city council’s chief executive after he heard about the missed deadline on Twitter.

Brighton and Hove City Council said: “The council wrote to the developer earlier this month to ask them to confirm their commitment to the delivery of the King Alfred scheme.

“We have received a response from Crest that reinstates their commitment but which is seeking a little more time to further update their viability appraisals.

“In parallel with the developer’s ongoing viability review, the council will meet with them to agree options for progressing delivery of the scheme.”

The council would not give any details of these options.

Crest Nicholson was approached for comment but had not responded by the time The Argus went to press.

The project involves knocking down the ageing King Alfred leisure centre and building new, modern sports facilities alongside 560 flats.

If the scheme goes ahead, it will include two new swimming pools, a cafe, creche and 200 parking spaces.