The new Dover District Leisure Centre opens at the end of the month.

It opens at exactly 9am on Monday, February 25.

Builders, BAM Construction, will formally hand over the building on time and on budget to Dover District Council and operators, Places Leisure, 10 days before.

The existing Dover Leisure Centre on Townwall Street will close at 5pm on Sunday, February 17, to allow for the transfer to the new centre at Honewood Parkway, Whitfield, and for staff training there.

The new £26 million facility features the first swimming pool in Kent to be purpose-built to Sport England specifications for a county standard competition swimming pool.

The 25m by 17m eight-lane pool includes starting blocks, timing pads, and an electronic scoreboard.

With spectator seating for 250 people, it is hoped to make Dover a major venue for swimming galas.

The 15m x 8.5m learner pool, which features a moveable floor to vary the depth, can also be used as a warm-up/down facility for competitive swimming.

Both pools are fully accessible and include pool-pod platform lifts.

Dry-side, the centre includes a four court sports hall, clip ‘n climb interactive climbing arena, a120-station fitness suite, two multi-activity studios, a spin studio, two glass-backed squash courts with spectator seating, two outdoor five-a-side 3G pitches, a sauna and steam room, a café, and 250 parking spaces.

Tony Crafer, contract manager for Places Leisure, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the centre. It offers a real step change in the level of facilities and access.

"Whether you’re looking to up your physical fitness, or just have some fun with friends, there really is something for everyone.”

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, DDC cabinet member for corporate property, said: “We’re delighted to be opening the new centre on time and on budget.

"It’s been a real team effort.

"We’d like to thank Sport England for their support of the project, along with the many local people, sports clubs and teams, and community groups, who contributed their ideas and helped shape the new centre.”