Plans for a new leisure centre in Deal are back on the agenda following a two-year pause because of the pandemic. Dover District Council (DDC) originally announced plans to replace Tides Leisure Centre in February 2020.
DDC’s Cabinet meets on Monday, 4 July to discuss a proposal to take the project to a key design stage (RIBA Stage 2). Cabinet is also being asked to approve the appointment of BAM Construction Ltd to work alongside the project team on the detailed design work.
The current proposal is to build a new sports centre on the site, with a mix of modern dry and wet facilities with a project budget of £24.88m, including estimated build costs. The building would feature environmentally responsible design and construction, contributing towards the Council’s climate change targets for 2030.
The proposal includes the following new-build facilities:
- Four-lane 25m swimming pool with pool side seating for 50 people
- 12m x 8m learner pool with moveable floor
- 400m² leisure water area (aqua play, splash pool, two flumes)
- Health and fitness suite with 110 stations
- Toning studio with 12 toning tables
- Two multi-activity studios (30-person capacity)
- Spin studio (25-person capacity)
- Café with seating for up to 150 people
- Parking for up to 200 vehicles
These facilities would complement the existing four-court sports hall on the site, and the adjacent Deal Indoor Tennis Centre which would both be retained.
The mix of facilities at the new leisure centre will be refined further as part of the RIBA Stage 2 process, and residents and users of Tides will be able to have their say on the proposals with a public consultation later this summer.
The plans for a new leisure centre for Deal will complement the Dover District Leisure Centre and the increase in usage will promote health and well-being with the associated social, physical, and psychological benefits.
Posted on 29 June 2022