Planning permission granted for Brighton Sea Lanes project at second attempt

Sea Lanes Brighton has been granted temporary planning permission to begin the transformation of the derelict Peter Pan site on Madeira Drive, Brighton, into the National Open Water Swimming Centre.

Brighton & Hove City Council approved the development earlier this month following the submission of revised plans. The initial scheme was rejected in December 2018.

The development, which is due to open in Spring 2020, is designed to revive Brighton Seafront to the east of the pier through building a new 25m open air heated swimming pool. The pool will act as a gateway for those looking to gain confidence to swim in the sea as well as a fitness and training hub for public swimming, open water swimming events, triathlons, sea safety and lifeguard courses.

In addition, the swimming pool will be supported by 39 small business units suitable for retail, health and fitness, office space as well as a food court with street food kiosks and an outdoor seating area. Adventure swimming holiday company SwimTrek has already committed to house its headquarters in the complex.

The Sea Lanes Brighton team hope to begin construction later this year and will be running a summer pop-up on the site in the meantime, which includes an endless pool, a sauna, spa and events such as yoga, community talks and film screenings.

Long term, sea Lanes Brighton aims to deliver a 50m swimming pool that becomes recognised as the national open water swimming centre.

It is estimated that the project will create more than 70 new jobs for the local area including lifeguards, a pool general manager and a learn-to-swim coordinator.

Sea Lanes Brighton Ltd is an integral part of the Brighton and Hove community, made up of businesses and individuals that are passionate about Brighton and open water swimming. They include: Brighton swim coach Andy White, Copsemill Properties, QED Sustainable Urban Developments, and SwimTrek.

Joe McNulty, Sea Lanes Brighton Director, says: “We are delighted that Brighton & Hove City Council has granted us permission to go ahead with the first phase of our plans. Sea Lanes will benefit the local community by providing a heated outdoor pool open all year round that will introduce people to sea safety and provide Brighton with much needed additional swimming pool space.

Find out more: www.sealanesbrighton.co.uk