Brighton & Hove is set to gain its first publicly funded swimming pool in nearly four decades, after councillors gave unanimous approval for a new community pool at Withdean Sports Complex. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
The new five-lane, 25-metre pool was designed in response to a major city-wide consultation and extensive discussions with local swimming clubs, community groups, a nearby primary school, the council’s Healthy Lifestyles Team, Freedom Leisure and Swim England.
Hundreds of residents attended drop-in sessions at Withdean Sports Complex and Westdene Library, while an online survey on the council’s Your Voice platform drew 942 responses, highlighting strong public support and demand for more swimming provision in the city.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: “This is fantastic news for the city. This much-needed new swimming pool at Withdean will provide more opportunities for residents to swim, particularly in the north of the city. Swimming remains our most popular activity, and as a coastal city it’s vital that children and young people have the chance to learn to swim.”
Designed for Sustainability and Future Generations
The new pool aims to be a model of environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. Key sustainability features include:
- Wildlife-friendly planting and landscaping
- Solar panels on the roof
- Sustainable construction materials
- High-grade insulation
- Low-energy LED lighting
- Air source heat pumps
- Water-saving systems such as microfiltration
Accessible and Inclusive for All
The project places accessibility at its core, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can benefit from swimming. The design includes:
- Ramped and stair access to the pool
- A pool pod lift and walk-in steps
- Accessible toilets and showers, including a hoist
- Changing rooms with wheelchair-accessible and family-sized cubicles
- Designated wheelchair spectator spaces
Meeting the City’s Growing Demand
Costing £6.8 million, the scheme is being funded through a combination of section 106 developer contributions and capital borrowing. The scheme is part of the council’s Sports Facilities Investment Plan (SFIP).
Feedback from the 2020 Your Sport, Your Vision, Your City consultation found that:
- 85% of respondents said a new main pool should be the top priority for investment
- Residents want a better balance of swimming and water-based activities across the city
Data also shows that Brighton & Hove has the lowest amount of swimming water space per 1,000 residents compared with neighbouring authorities, the wider south-east region, and England as a whole.
The Brighton & Hove Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy focuses on prevention, reducing health inequalities and improving life expectancy. Swimming is valued as a low-impact, lifelong activity with well-documented benefits for both physical and mental health.
Website: Withdean Sports Complex
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