Title

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Developer withdraws from multi-million Hove scheme

Crest Nicholson has withdrawn from plans to deliver a £50m leisure centre and new housing in Hove.

Crest Nicholson has withdrawn from plans to deliver a £50m leisure centre and new housing in Hove.

The developer said the scheme to redevelop the King Alfred site was overly ambitious in ‘uncertain' times.

Chris Tinker, interim CEO of Crest Nicholson, said: ‘It is now increasingly apparent that the growing cost of delivering the scheme, including the council's new £50m leisure centre, at a time when uncertainty has been increasing and values falling, means that the project is no longer able to support the provision of any affordable housing and remain viable.

Brighton and Hove City Council has worked with the developer on this scheme since 2016, with £23m of public money committed to the project.

Council leader, Nancy Platts, said: ‘Of course we are hugely disappointed that Crest Nicholson has confirmed it won't be progressing the redevelopment of the King Alfred site.

‘We've worked closely with their team to find a financially viable scheme to deliver a new public sports and leisure facility and provide affordable housing.'

The council said it was a priority to find a viable alternative.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

EXCLUSIVE: Intervention cost hits £9.5m

By Dan Peters | 30 October 2025

Councils have been forced to shell out £9.5m on Government intervention over the last four years, research by The MJ has found.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Government 'confident' in housing plan

By Dan Peters | 29 October 2025

The Government has insisted it ‘remains confident in its plans to get Britain building’ after housebuilders warned ministers will not hit their homes target.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Unpicking the Spelthorne strategy

By Heather Jameson | 23 October 2025

As the decision on reorganisation in Surrey is delayed, Spelthorne BC chief executive Daniel Mouawad says forcing the sale of council assets at the wrong tim...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Supporting older people's health and fitness

By Phil Donnay | 23 October 2025

Phil Donnay looks at the importance for older people of keeping active.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman