Demolition of 1976-build Dover Leisure Centre, Townwall Street

By: Sam Lennon slennon@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:16, 24 February 2020

Updated: 15:44, 24 February 2020

The former Dover Leisure Centre will be knocked down next week.

It is not yet known what will replace it.

Dover Leisure Centre in its last month, February 2019. Picture: Sam Lennon

The old Seventies Dover Leisure Centre just before its closure .Picture: Sam Lennon

Dover District Council announced today that the building, in Townwall Street, will be demolished from next Monday.

That work is expected to finish in May.

During the two months the Townwall Street Car Park will completely shut.

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Woolcomber Street Car Park will partially close with around 25 spaces kept for use, including the disabled and motorcycle bays.

DDC said that during this time it will continue to protect and preserve the ruins of the neighbouring St James' Church.

St James' Church, Dover

A scaffold will be put up around the remains before work on demolishing the leisure centre starts in earnest.

A spokesman said: "DDC will continue to monitor the church site throughout the demolition of the old leisure centre.

"A programme of works is set to follow to help conserve the remains.

"The church site will be closed to the public during the demolition and whilst restoration works are carried out."

The leisure centre building will be pulled down by DDS Demolition.

The new Dover District Leisure Centre shortly after it opened last year. .Picture: Paul Amos.

Dover Leisure Centre opened in 1976 and was closed on February 17 last year.

It was replaced by the £26 million Dover District Leisure Centre in Whitfield, which opened exactly a year ago tomorrow.

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