A review into the future of Dover Leisure Centre is set to start in a matter of weeks, with a decision made on whether it will be relocated or updated by late September.

It was last discussed by Dover District Council’s cabinet in March, when it was noted that the Townwall Street premises, a dilapidated 1970s-styled centre, needed drastic improvement.

Managing director of Your Leisure Steve Davis said he had been told there were several possible sites, if the council decides to move it.

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Mr Davis said: “The options are open; it is not our decision to make, it is for the council members to make that decision.

'It is not our decision to make, it is for the council members to make that decision.- Steve Davis, Your Leisure

“I am told there are several sites it could be but if they did up the existing building we would have to close it, knock it down and rebuild it. Dover would be without a leisure centre for a year.”

Sport England, which oversees funding and development of sport centres in the UK, will be involved in the review.

It is understood that the public will be consulted.

The cabinet report says if the centre is to remain as it is, it would cost about £2m to maintain over the next five years.

It is also featured in the Land Allocations Local Plan, a document which earmarks places in Dover that need developing.

The LALP says it is “not energy efficient” and “expensive to run.”

All financial options will be taken into account in the review, including the demands of users.
A DDC spokesman said: “The review is due to start in the summer and be completed by late autumn.

“We continue to work closely with Your Leisure, and regularly meet with them to discuss leisure facilities matters.”