A leisure centre’s long-awaited £20m revamp including a six lane pool is set to commence next year.
Tides in Deal has been earmarked for partial demolition and refurbishment since 2018, but the plans were fraught with delay owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tides, in Park Avenue, Deal
Plans were put back in motion in 2022, and Dover District Council (DDC) is now set to approve the shape the new facilities will take.
Controversially, the slides will not be replaced, with DDC’s own report acknowledging how, in consultations, the public repeatedly expressed “disappointment” over the decision.
DDC was considering a five-lane pool but opted for six lanes instead, each measuring 25 metres long.
The authority adds the pool will have “inflatable fun opportunities” and “proposals now include a toddler splash pad which has helped improve the business plan”.
A total of 100 “health and fitness stations,” as well as toning, multi-activity, and spin studios will also be included in the revamped building.
Tides in the 1990s
However, the cafe and viewing platform over the pool, which currently has capacity for a hundred people, will be reduced in size to a maximum capacity of 62 people.
The sauna and steam room will also not be replaced.
Your Leisure currently has the lease to operate the site, but it expires at the end of March 2025, when the pool will also need to close.
The report reads: “The ongoing deterioration of the Tides Leisure Pool has driven the need to close the pool by 31 March 2025 (in line with Your Leisure Ltd lease ending) unless it is closed sooner by a forced unplanned closure.
“The gym, which is located inside the pool building will also close on 31 March 2025.”
The nearly 40 year-old leisure centre has been marked for refurbishment for years
Since September the council has ran a public consultation on the changes, with nine in-person events across the district.
Andy Carson, chairman of Dover Life Guards Club, said the group is “extremely excited to hear the proposals for Deal.”
He added:“With members aged seven to 87 and Kent Para club of the year we are seeing an ever increasing demand for our offers as one of the top sports clubs in the district.
“With Dover Sports Centre as a thriving hub I have no doubt that Deal will provide much needed services to the area.
“Swimming is all year round and one of very few sports and skills for life with a massive tradition locally.
Andy Carson, chairman of Dover Life Guards Club (R), with young para-swimmer Ashton Platts (L)
“I can’t see this development as being anything but a massive success.”
Tides was originally opened in 1987, but its equipment has been aging and deteriorating.
DDC has already set aside about £5 million for the plans.
However, to finance the new works it will need to borrow £14.5m on a 50-year loan.
The new facilities are expected to have a lifespan of 50 years, according to DDC’s report.
DDC is set to start searching for operators and contractors this month, with work set to start in February 2026, which “could potentially be complete by Summer 2027,” they say.
The authority’s cabinet is set to approve the plans at a meeting next Monday (Jan 13).