This follows a competitive tender held towards the end of 2016 procured through the Southern Construction Framework.  Contract terms are currently being finalised.

The council plans to demolish the town’s 40 year-old swimming pool and build the leisure centre in neighbouring Whitfield where it will be centrally located to provide the only lane-swimming pool serving Dover, Deal and Sandwich, and the surrounding rural communities.

Plans have been drawn up by Nottingham-based GT3 architects. If all goes to plan construction of the new larger leisure centre will start in October.

At the heart of the centre would be an eight-lane 25m county-standard competition swimming pool with spectator seating for 250 people, as well as a learner pool with a moveable floor to allow for varying depths of water.

Other facilities proposed include a four court sports hall, two outdoor artificial five-a-side football pitches, a clip ‘n’ climb climbing wall, a 120-station health and fitness gym, two squash courts, three multi-activity studios, one spin studio, a sauna, steam room and cafe.

Externally there will be 3G artificial pitches for five-a-side football, and a minimum of 250 parking spaces.

BAM Construction has a strong track record of building leisure and sporting facilities including the new sports centre at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School.