Space For People
The King Alfred development has been designed to maximize public space, with 70% of the total site area dedicated to public use. The retail and market housing, which is funding the development, will take only 30% of the total site area.
The sports centre, situated in the most prominent position at the heart of the site, will be surrounded by spacious public piazzas and enlivened by works of art by renowned British sculptor Anthony Gormley. A vibrant mix of shops and cafes will surround the public spaces bringing life to what is currently a run-down playground and partially derelict wasteland.
Josh Arghiros, Karis Managing Director, said: “When Frank Gehry first came to the city and saw the King Alfred site he always felt is was the sports centre that should take centre stage. He has also designed the entire scheme to maximise the available space for public realm. The site belongs to the people of Brighton and Hove and Frank Gehry wants the sports centre be their palace, complemented by a new public realm that will be a really pleasant and exciting space that everyone can freely enjoy.”
The retail/commercial space will provide a range of cafes and shops to serve the local area that also includes facilities for the community:
* provision for a doctor’s surgery, which will enable a minimum of two doctors to practice from the site
* a police office
* public toilets
* public recycling facilities
Approx ground areas are as follows;
Site area: 19,422m2
Sports centre: 5261m2 (27%)
Public realm: 8272m2 (43%)
Retail/commercial space: 5889m2 (30%)
