Revised Proposals Summer 2024  

Major proposals for a new leisure centre in Deal that’s fit for the next 50 years have been given the green light to move to the next stage of development – with an agreement to further explore an additional swimming lane and leisure options for the pool.

Dover District Council’s Cabinet have now given the go ahead to progress exciting plans for a £19m project for new facilities at the Tides Leisure Centre site, with further consideration to be given to a six lane pool and ways to develop leisure activities in and around the pool. Cabinet agreed for a Project Advisory Group (PAG) to look into these issues in detail. 

Key proposals put before Cabinet were for 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 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 are bringing 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.  A further report is set to return to Cabinet in January 2025. 

Public Engagement Sessions

Public engagement events took place between 23 September to 20 October 2024, to give members of the public an opportunity to give their feedback on the latest proposals. At these informal meetings, residents have been able to see the emerging proposals and talk through the proposed development with members of the project team. Findings from the engagement events will help to inform design development, be discussed with the Project Advisory Group and be fully considered by Cabinet in the New Year.

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To keep updated on the project, please follow the ‘new Deal Leisure Centre’ topic on Keep me posted

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For more information, please see the report to Cabinet on 29 July 2024 on the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/meetings

Contact Major Projects

Email: MajorProjects@dover.gov.uk