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.

The new plans are bringing forward a range of exciting new facilities for the area, while working to ensure the ambitious £20.4m project remains affordable and deliverable. Planning permission was granted in August 2025.

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, health and fitness studios, a spin studio, 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.

Your Leisure has been approved as interim operator of the sports hall and indoor tennis centre allowing these facilities to remain open until a future operator is appointed to start a new contract from 1 April 2026. Your Leisure is offering a programme of continued activities supporting members, clubs, group exercise classes alongside a continued alternative gym offering.

The new temporary entrance and reception area is open for customers, offering accessibility to the sports hall, gym and tennis centre while the building work takes place.

Site enabling works started in July, and hoarding has been being erected around the site. Demolition works on the old nursery building started on 29 September 2025. Once cleared, this area will become the construction site compound for the later works. The main demolition to the Tides Pool Hall is expected to start on 6 October and be finished by the end of November 2025, weather permitting.

The Council’s Cabinet members are considering a report on 6 October to move the project forward into the final stage of delivery.