Construction begins on town's new leisure centre

The new leisure centre will open for dry sports in 2026 and fully in 2027

Work has begun on a new leisure centre for Deal in Kent.

Dover District Council said demolition of the pool of the 1980s-built Tides Leisure Centre in Victoria Park began on Thursday.

Its £20m replacement will have a six-lane pool, health & fitness studios and a toddler splash pad.

Tides was closed to the public in March, with the new centre due to open for dry sports on 1 April 2026, and fully in the summer of 2027.

The sports hall and indoor tennis centre has remained open, run by interim operator Your Leisure.

The council said it is in the process of tendering for an operator to run the new centre, with an announcement due to be made in the coming weeks.

The new facility will replace Tides Leisure Centre, which was built in the 1980s

Leader Kevin Mills said: "A brand new leisure centre with modern facilities will be a welcome addition for all residents to enjoy.

"We have consulted with residents and worked hard to accommodate their feedback.

"This centre is affordable and meets the needs of all in our community who want to stay fit and well."