Major plans for a new leisure centre in Deal with a six-lane pool, gym, fun inflatable sessions and a toddler splash pad have now been agreed.

Councillors have given approval for the ambitious £20m project to proceed to the next stage of development, including an additional swimming lane and leisure options.

Original plans were for a five-lane pool and no dedicated splash pad, but after considering feedback from the public following nine engagement events and further testing the financial implications, an extra lane and leisure opportunities have been included in the scheme.

This will be in addition to a new state-of-the-art gym and health and fitness studios, toning tables and cafe area. 

The new-build facilities will potentially be delivered by summer 2027 and integrated with the existing sports hall and indoor tennis centre.

The lease between the current operator Your Leisure and DDC to operate Tides Leisure Centre ends on 31 March 2025, at which point the swimming pool and gym will close to allow the project to progress.

While it had been hoped to keep the tennis centre and sports hall open at this time, it has been agreed that these facilities will need to close from 1 April 2025 while a new Deal Leisure Centre management contract is being tendered.

The new contract will begin with a new provider in early 2026, at which point the sports hall and tennis centre will reopen while development work continues.

The new plans are bringing forward a range of exciting new facilities for the area, while working to ensure the project remains affordable and deliverable.

Keep me Posted

To keep updated on the project, please follow the ‘new Deal Leisure Centre’ topic at www.dover.gov.uk/keepmeposted

Keep up to date on project news

For more information, please see the latest report to Cabinet on 13 January 2025 on the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/meetings

Contact Major Projects

Email: MajorProjects@dover.gov.uk