The company that runs Tides Leisure Centre in Deal has announced the planned refurbishment will cost £1.4 million.

Changes to the Park Avenue centre include doubling the size of the gym, creating a designated creche and a spinning studio, plus a ground floor studio on one of the present badminton courts, while the other court will be able to be sectioned off as a multipurpose space.

Changing areas will be upgraded and the gym will be air conditioned. The refit will be made complete with an improved cafe and enlarged reception area, with better access.

Your Leisure managing director Steve Davies said: “We will borrow the money if necessary. We have a lot of different options.”

“We will borrow the money if necessary..." - Steve Davies, Your Leisure managing director

Mr Davies also said that public reaction to the plans has been positive. Detailed drawings have been on display on the Your Leisure website and in the centre for more than two weeks.

The management team also held a discussion with members on August 5.

Mr Davies said: “Reaction has been very positive. We knew some of the clubs had some concerns but we’ve been able to address them.

“The only negative comments have been that people would like us to do more.

They would like to see more refurbishment to the pool, but it comes down to money. It is certainly something we’ll consider for the future.”

Mr Davies said they needed to ensure that the public were on their side before consulting with the council, site owners, other bodies and submitting a planning application.

Your Leisure is now waiting for consultation with Sport England, who funded the sports hall and therefore are involved in planning developments.

He said: “The next phase after this will be detailed conversations with Dover District Council, so we can start this sometime next year.”

He added: “Ideally, I’d like to have it all in place by the start of the next summer holidays.”