New Proposals For Tides Leisure Centre Site Gain Momentum

Major proposals for a new leisure centre in Deal that’s fit for the next 50 years are set to be considered by Dover District Council’s Cabinet on Monday 29 July 2024.

Cabinet will be considering giving the green light for the next stage of development for a £19m project for new facilities at the Tides Leisure Centre site, at the special meeting.

These key proposals would see a new five-lane 25m pool, as well as new health and fitness stations, toning tables, multi activity and spin studios, and café area. The new build facilities, if approved, could potentially be delivered by summer 2027 and would be integrated with the retained existing sports hall and indoor tennis centre.

Proposals were initiated in 2018 and progress was significantly disrupted by COVID-19 as the leisure industry began to recover and rebuild.   Plans were further developed in 2022 when a series of consultation events were held to share early design concepts. A report was considered by Cabinet in November 2023 to provide a project update and consider financial viability issues, when it was agreed to explore further options that might enable the project to move forward. The new plans look to bring forward a range of exciting new facilities for the area, while working to ensure the project remains affordable and deliverable.

The latest proposals have been developed to an early feasibility stage and could still be subject to change. They include plans for flexible pool provision with a five-lane pool that could be used for recreational swimming, learning to swim and advanced training. The lane pool could also be used to facilitate leisure activities during holiday seasons with inflatable aqua fun sessions, but proposals do not include a dedicated splash/leisure pool.

For more information, please see the report to Cabinet on 29 July on the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/meetings

Notes:

Facility mix comparisons:

*Gross internal floor areas are based on the new build and refurbished areas included in the cost estimates. The existing areas retained are the Indoor Tennis Centre and sports hall, with changing areas also retained and repurposed.

The analysis and evidence gathered from the Indoor Sports Facility Strategy 2023, demonstrates the proposed new five lane provision will complement existing provision and help meet both current and future needs, noting the deficit in swimming pool water space in the district up to 2040 is a six lane 25m pool.