Plans to spend £25m on a new leisure centre are back on the agenda following a two year pause.

It will include a splash pool and two flumes.

The project, to replace Tides in Deal, was put before members of Dover District Council's cabinet on Monday.

Councillors approved a report detailing the plan to go ahead with the development.

The ambitious scheme was first announced in February 2020, but was put on hold due to the pandemic.

The current proposal is to build a new sports centre on the Tides Leisure Centre site in Park Avenue at a budget of £24.88 million.

This will include:

- A four-lane 25m swimming pool with poolside seating for 50 people

- A 12m x 8m learner pool with moveable floor

- A 400m² leisure water area with an aqua play, splash pool and two flumes

- A health and fitness suite

- A toning studio with 12 toning tables

- Two multi-activity studios with a 30-person capacity

- A café with seating for up to 150 people

- Parking for up to 200 vehicles

The building would be designed and built in a way to contribute towards Dover District Council’s climate change targets for 2030.

Tides' existing wet side would be demolished.

The changes would complement the existing four-court sports hall and the adjacent Deal Indoor Tennis Centre, which would both be retained.

Councillors recommended the project can now progress to the design stage.

Members also approved the appointment of BAM Construction Ltd to work alongside the project team on the detailed design work.

A Dover District Council (DDC) spokesman said: "The plans for a new leisure centre for Deal will complement the Dover District Leisure Centre (in Whitfield) and the increase in usage will promote health and well-being with the associated social, physical, and psychological benefits."

The wet side of Tides was opened by Carry On films and EastEnders star Barbara Windsor in 1988.

The existing sports hall and tennis centre opened in 2005 and 2011 respectively.

The latest moves follow on from a £700,000 urgent plant refurbishment project in 2018 to allow the deteriorating centre to continue in the short term, reducing the risk of temporary pool closures.

Residents and users of Tides will be able to have their say on the proposals with a public consultation later this summer.