CGI image of Deal Leisure Centre
Dover District Council’s Cabinet has given the final go ahead for the multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre to be built, replacing the Tides Leisure Centre pool building. This latest approval will allow construction to begin and follows full planning permission being granted in August.
A six-lane pool, gym, health & fitness studios, pool inflatable fun sessions and a toddler splash pad is planned for the new £20m centre which will also offer enhanced accessibility - including a new platform lift and changing places facility - opening up the venue to host wheelchair sports.
A competitive tendering process has been taking place for a future operator for Deal Leisure Centre, to begin long-term operations from 1 April 2026 for dryside facilities and summer 2027 for full opening. Details of this will be finalised in the coming weeks with a future leisure operator formerly announced for the award of contract.
The Tides Leisure Pool was built in the 1980s but has now reached its end of life and was permanently closed to the public on 16 March 2025. Works to safely demolish the existing pool building started yesterday (Monday 6 October) and follow the removal of the adjacent former nursery building last week.
Your Leisure is the interim operator allowing Tides Sports Hall and Indoor Tennis Centre to remain open while work progresses on the exciting multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre project.
Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of DDC, said: “We are delighted to have given the go ahead for the construction to start on this major new investment for Deal. A brand new leisure centre with modern facilities will be a welcome addition for all residents to enjoy.
“We have consulted with residents and worked hard to accommodate their feedback. This centre is affordable and meets the needs of all in our community who want to stay fit and well. We are pleased to be able to deliver this exciting project despite the numerous challenges we’ve faced in recent years.”
For more information on the new Deal Leisure Centre, please see the dedicated website at www.new-deal-leisure-centre.co.uk
Notes:
In accordance with DDC’s Constitution, executive decisions made by Cabinet are subject to call-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The period for call-in expires four working days after the record of decision is published. Therefore, the information contained in this release may be subject to further review and changes and may not reflect the final decision.
Posted on 07 October 2025