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Tides Leisure Centre in Deal consultation - last chance to have say

There is still time to view new plans for the rundown Tides leisure centre.

A 25-metre swimming pool and a fitness suite with almost three times as many workout stations are among new attractions planned for the proposed redevelopment.

A consultation on the new plans for Tides is still running
A consultation on the new plans for Tides is still running

A public consultation for the scheme continues until Monday, October 9.

But the final in a series of drop-in sessions, where residents can view plans and give their opinions, takes place this Saturday.

The scheme is for a brand new leisure centre in Deal, estimated at £25 million, in place of the existing one, Tides.

Its main pool at present is just a wave pool but the new centre could have a 25-metre one with four lanes.

The existing fitness suite has 40 stations but a new one is planned to have 110.

How Tides is laid out now. Pictures: DDC
How Tides is laid out now. Pictures: DDC
The proposed new layout for Tides
The proposed new layout for Tides

The viewing area, currently in the pool hall, could become a dedicated viewing space with a café.

There may also be the bonus of a toning studio, consultation room and spin studio, for exercise bikes, as Tides currently has none of these.

Parking for 150 to175 cars is also planned as there are only 122 spaces now.

The current sauna and steam room would be removed.

Tides was built in 1987 but is ageing and has deteriorating pool plant and equipment.

The plan for the ground floor of the new centre
The plan for the ground floor of the new centre
The proposed first floor plan
The proposed first floor plan

In 2019 district councillors approved £700,000 for refurbishment.

Dover District Council now says in its consultation document: “We asked a team of consultants to review the long term feasibility of Tides.

“Their reports concluded that major investment in a new build facility would be more cost effective than refurbishing the existing centre.

“To this end, we’ve set ourselves ambitious goals to deliver the best leisure centre possible within an affordable budget whilst meeting important targets to maximise energy efficiency and ensure sustainability.”

A council survey on this subject has had 651 responses and 91% of those commenting said they would support a new leisure centre.

Tides Leisure Centre, photographed in 2004. Picture: Terry Scott
Tides Leisure Centre, photographed in 2004. Picture: Terry Scott

A total 51% said they used the existing Tides and 84% said they would use a new one.

The last drop-in session take place from 9am to midday on Saturday, October 1, at the present Tides Leisure Centre in Park Avenue, Deal.

You can also view details on dover.gov.uk/dealleisurecentre

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