Major study of leisure facilities includes look at future for Dover Leisure Centre

A major study is underway to look at the provision of indoor leisure facilities across Dover District - including a specific review of options for the future of Dover Leisure Centre.

DDC has appointed a team led by The Sports Consultancy to review provision to see if the district has the right facilities in the right places. The study will include an action plan for the next ten years, and will include a review of Dover Leisure Centre, looking at options to reconstruct or replace it, either where it is or at an alternative site.

The team will be consulting with other providers of indoor facilities, and groups who use the facilities. This will include operators of leisure centres, secondary schools, parish councils, national governing bodies of sports, local clubs who use the existing facilities, neighbouring authorities, and health representatives. The study will use this feedback to review facilities and look at the way forward, and will focus on ways to ensure Dover Leisure Centre meets the future needs and expectations of customers.

The study is due to be completed this autumn. Any proposals to reconstruct or replace the leisure centre will be subject to all usual planning rules, and the public will be consulted in keeping with all usual procedures.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, DDC Cabinet Member for Property Management said: "It is vital that our leisure facilities continue to keep pace with what local people want. This key study will help to provide a clear understanding of the supply of and demand for indoor leisure facilities, and will inform the strategic direction for future provision. We are aware that facilities at Dover Leisure Centre need to be looked at, and the review will help to guide decisions and investments for the future."