Dover District Council (DDC) is developing proposals for a new leisure centre in Deal and would like to hear the views of local residents to help shape what facilities to include.
The Council has agreed to move to the next planning stage where the project team will undertake more detailed work on technical and financial viability, and develop and refine concept designs for the new leisure centre. This is known as RIBA (Royal Institution of British Architects) Stage 2.
The new centre needs to be fit for the future with a range of facilities to meet local needs. It needs to be built and operated in ways that address climate change and it must be affordable both for the Council and the taxpayer. Inflation and rising construction costs are currently the biggest risk, and the Council will only go ahead if the project can be delivered within an affordable budget.
Improvements to the wider Victoria Park area are also being considered, including relocating some facilities to create a sport/youth hub next to the proposed new leisure centre.
As part of the next key stage of planning, the council is inviting residents to complete a short online questionnaire. The information provided will help inform the range of facilities that the new leisure centre could offer. This in turn helps the architect with the overall layout and design of the building.
Residents and users of Tides will be able to have their say on more detailed design proposals later in the year.
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 £24.8m, including estimated build costs. The building would feature environmentally responsible design and construction, contributing towards the Council’s climate change targets for 2030.
The new leisure centre could include 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 short questionnaire can be accessed online at www.dover.gov.uk/dealleisurecentre Please complete the questionnaire by 28 August 2022.
Posted on 01 August 2022