Dover District Council’s Cabinet is set to consider a recommendation to demolish the Tides Leisure Centre pool building - as exciting plans for the multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre continue to move forward.
The demolition is set to be considered at Cabinet on Monday 12 May 2025. This follows the green light in January for major plans for a new £20m leisure centre in Deal, with a six-lane pool, gym, fun inflatable sessions and a toddler splash pad.
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. To help ensure public safety, proposals have progressed at pace to demolish the pool building.
Cabinet agreed in February 2025 to start a competitive tendering process 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. This process is ongoing.
It was also agreed to approve Your Leisure as 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.
Access to the Sports Hall and Indoor Tennis Centre is being maintained as before until alternative temporary access arrangements are in place. Once temporary access works have been completed, and the entrance and reception area has been relocated, the pool building will be completely vacant.
Subject to Cabinet decision, demolition works are set to start in the summer, at a cost of up to £600k. Demolition works are also set to include the adjacent former nursery building.
It has been determined that the demolition can take place as permitted development, which means demolition can start without the need to apply for planning permission. However, a full planning application for the development is expected in the next month.
Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of DDC said: “We are delighted to continue to move forward with this major investment and to be considering this demolition. It has been a long journey, and we are thrilled to be so close to work beginning on the new leisure centre.
“We know how important these facilities are to our local communities, and we have worked hard to listen to all feedback. We look forward to taking the next step on the way to delivering these exciting facilities for residents and visitors in Deal and beyond.”
For more information on the new Deal Leisure Centre, please see the dedicated website at www.new-deal-leisure-centre.co.uk
Posted on 02 May 2025