The wheels are in motion to replace Dover’s dilapidated leisure centre.

The Land Allocations Local Plan (LALP) says that the Townwall Street premises, built in the 1970s, has a number of structural problems and will need to be re-built or moved to another site in the town.

It is understood that a series of public consultations will go ahead before a formal decision is made.

The LALP plan, adopted by the district council last month, says: “Despite significant investment by the district council, the sports facilities do not meet current expectations.
“In addition, the leisure centre is not energy efficient and is therefore very expensive to run.”

Guidelines featured in LALP show potential developers the key areas in the Dover district earmarked for construction and growth.

It said: “Pressure on these types of facilities will increase during the plan period due to increased demand, particularly with respect to swimming pool provision.

“Improved facilities could form part of the planned regeneration of the town and meet the predicted increase in demand.”

Your Leisure, the managing organisation of DLC, has a long-term lease on the council owned building.

Managing director for Your Leisure Steve Davis said: “We are working with DDC. It is clear that Dover Leisure Centre is past its sell by date.

'It is clear that Dover Leisure Centre is past its sell by date.' - managing director Steve Davis

“There are several options and no decision will be made until it has reached public consultation.

“It is up in the air at the moment but I do know they (the council) are doing some work on it at the moment.”

It is not known what will replace it if the centre is moved.

The report reads: “Given that the existing building is near the end of its useful life, an opportunity exists to create a landmark building.

“Leisure facilities could be located at a different site, so long as it is equally accessible to residents."

A DDC spokesman said: “We are looking into options for future sport and leisure facilities. The Land Allocations Local Plan includes a ‘broad objective’ to ‘investigate whether it will be possible to meet the need for modern, inclusive sport and recreation facilities by building new facilities on the existing site, or whether it should be relocated and the site redeveloped.

“We continue to investigate options with potential investors and are looking to undertake a more detailed review over the coming months, but no decisions have been made.”