Structural completion of the new £26 million Dover District Leisure Centre has been marked with a “topping out” ceremony just nine months after the ground-breaking in October 2017. Construction is on time and on budget for an early 2019 opening.
Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council was joined by Adam Mitchell for builder BAM Construction; Paolo Coyle for architects GT3; Tony Crafer, Contract Manager for operators, Places Leisure, along with members of the construction team.
Work has now started in earnest on the mechanical and electrical installations along with internal fit-out of the facilities. Over 100 construction workers are now on site, including six apprentices.
The new Dover District Leisure Centre will feature:
- County-standard competition swimming pool
- Learner pool with moveable floor
- Spectator seating for 250 people
- Sports hall
- Clip 'n Climb climbing arena
- Health and fitness gym with 120 stations
- Squash courts
- Multi-activity studios
- Spin studio
- Outdoor 3G pitches
- Café
- Free parking with 250 spaces
Over 55% of total order values for construction of the new Dover District Leisure Centre have been placed with Kent-based contractors.
Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council was joined by representatives of BAM Construction, GT3 Architects, and Places Leisure to mark structural completion of the new £26m Dover District Leisure Centre
Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “The new Dover District Leisure Centre represents a major investment in the health and well-being of the district. It’s going to be an amazing facility for all the family. We’re delighted at the progress of the build and look forward to celebrating the opening in 2019!
“I was delighted to meet local people employed on the biggest construction project undertaken by the Council in recent years, and to see the investment in apprenticeships on this flagship project.”
Dan Brenchley, Project Manager for BAM Construction, said: “It has been a pleasure working with a really engaged client and design team on such an important scheme for the local community and creating a legacy for the health and well-being of the district.
“It was important for us to not only build this for local people, but to also include local people in the construction, so it truly becomes a part of their community. We have currently recorded 175 training weeks for apprentices and trainees into the industry which is an encouraging sign for future careers in the construction industry.”
Tony Crafer, Contract Manager for Places Leisure, said: “It’s fantastic to see the new centre really start to take shape and we are looking forward to welcoming our community into their new leisure home when it opens in 2019. This impressive venue will offer a wide range of facilities and activities ensuring that there is something for everyone, to encourage even more people to adopt more active and healthier lifestyles.”
Posted on 30 July 2018