Upgrades to a leisure centre complex have started as part of a £600,000 project while the £8 million overhaul of the district’s largest facility are on track.

Bosses behind the plans to upgrade Kingsmead Leisure Centre in Canterbury and Whitstable Swimming Pool in Whitstable say the works are due to finish in the coming year.

Builders have now officially started the £600,000 Whitstable Swimming Pool scheme which will see a new dance studio and a larger, refurbished gym pop up at the Tower Parade facility.

Running alongside that project is the highly-anticipated £8 million Kingsmead Leisure Centre revamp – with a steam room, sauna and three fitness studios all set to be added to the district’s most-used sports facility.

The sites are managed by Active Life on behalf of Canterbury City Council.

Cllr Connie Nolan, CCC’s cabinet member for community, culture, safety and engagement, said: “It’s fantastic to see the council and Active Life working together on these exciting improvements that will benefit everyone that enjoys Kingsmead Leisure Centre and Whitstable Leisure Centre.

“This much-needed investment will breathe new life into facilities that have been enjoyed by thousands and thousands over the years and ensure many more people can benefit from them in the future.

“Getting fit, strong and healthy and then staying so is an ambition for many so it’s great we can provide the perfect place for them to achieve their goals.”

Anthony Cawley, chief executive for Active Life, said: “We are really grateful for the support, understanding and patience of our customers and are working hard to minimise disruption although we know the final result will be worth it.”

The first steps in delivering the improvements at Whitstable Swimming Pool have begun with some preparation work to the outside of the building.

All areas of the Whitstable centre will remain open and available for bookings while the outside work begins at the back of the building but customers are being warned availability of parking will be slightly reduced during this time.

Meanwhile, preparatory work at Kingsmead, which began in March, is said to be “progressing at pace” with much of the outside demolition work complete.

The swimming pool at the centre will continue to remain open during the project alongside popular group exercise sessions – though it has been confirmed the gym and sports hall will remain closed until the renovations are complete.

The transformation of Kingsmead Leisure Centre will also include a new entrance, foyer and café area as well as a large new gym with a dedicated ‘Intencity’ studio.

Bosses at Active Life are hoping to have the Whitstable job completed early next year while it is expected the Canterbury upgrades will be finished by summer 2024.