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. As a result, the swimming pool will close on the 16 March 2025 to allow time for the building to be prepared for handover. The gym will remain open although there might be some minor disruption towards the end of March as the gym moves. 

Your Leisure has been approved as interim operator of the sports hall and indoor tennis centre allowing these facilities to remain open while work progresses on the £20m Deal Leisure Centre project.

Your Leisure will be offering a programme of continued activities supporting members, clubs, group exercise classes alongside a continued alternative gym offering.

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