Brighton & Hove has taken a major step forward in improving community health and wellbeing, with unanimous planning approval granted for a brand-new swimming pool at the Withdean Sports Complex.
For a growing city that has not seen a new local authority funded swimming pool built in over 40 years, this decision marks a significant milestone. The new Withdean pool has been designed to serve everyone – from leisure swimmers and families, to clubs, competitive athletes and those swimming for health and rehabilitation.
A Solution Shaped by Community Need
Brighton & Hove City Council faced a challenging brief: deliver a modern, inclusive swimming pool at a time of serious budget constraints, while still meeting the needs of a diverse population. Working closely with council teams including Parks & Leisure and Corporate Procurement, ReCreation helped turn this ambition into a viable, high-quality solution.
The goal was clear – to create an accessible, sustainable and welcoming community pool that could be delivered within an achievable capital budget.
ReCreation’s Design Approach
ReCreation led the coordination of the full design team, bringing together architects, structural and civil engineers to overcome site challenges. With no suitable space elsewhere on the complex, the only feasible site was immediately adjacent to the existing gym and sports hall building.
Through careful planning and collaboration, the new pool has been designed to connect seamlessly with the current facilities. The building will be all-electric, supporting Brighton & Hove’s environmental commitments and targeting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.
Inclusive by Design
Consultation has been central to the project’s success. ReCreation and the council engaged with local residents, swimming clubs, the Pocklington Trust and the Sight Loss Council as well as other stakeholders, to ensure the facility truly meets community needs.
The result is an inclusive, wheelchair-accessible facility featuring a state-of-the-art Pool Pod hoist and a consistent pool depth for confidence and safety.
Benefits That Go Beyond the Pool
The new Withdean Swimming Pool will feature:
- A 5-lane, 25m pool with uniform 1.35m depth
- All-electric, environmentally responsible design
- Facilities for all user groups – from clubs to learn to swim and school swimming sessions
- Active-travel support and new EV charging stations
Adrian Turner, Director of Development at ReCreation commented:
“We have collaborated and consulted with the council and community for five years – and in 2026 we can finally start to deliver on that shared determination, for the benefit of Brighton & Hove.”
With construction now one step closer, the Withdean Swimming Pool promises to be a lasting asset for generations to come