Plans for a £34 million leisure centre that aims to attract both serious swimmers and fun-seeking families are taking shape.

A new suite is being designed to replace the ageing Cascades complex in Gravesend which is now deemed structurally to be "in poor condition".

Last week, members of Gravesham council’s cabinet agreed officers should begin the process which will lead to the building of a new centre on the existing car park at the Thong Lane site.

The current centre will remain open during construction but will be demolished once the new centre has opened, expected to be in 2024.

It will combine a regional quality 6-8 lane swimming pool with family fun attractions, it has been confirmed.

Also included is a 100 seat spectator area for swimming galas, a 10m x 20m teaching pool, three studios for health and fitness sessions, a gym, squash courts, sports hall and community rooms of primary care sessions such as weight management, health screening, and dietary advice.

While the existing Regan’s bar would have to be demolished, plans also include a lobby foyer and cafe with a soft play and ‘clip and climb’ area.

With work now starting on the detailed design, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, the council’s cabinet Member for community and leisure, said starting with a blank sheet of paper meant the new centre would be a home for families as well as a venue attractive to competitive athletes.

“While recognising that north west Kent lacks a competitive standard 6-8 lane swimming pool and while we are looking to fill that void, we know a great draw of the current Cascades is the leisure pool,” he said.

“We are at a very early stage of the process that will lead to the new centre being built, and as we work up plans we will be looking at how we can best accommodate both the serious swimmer and families looking for a fun few hours in the pool.

“Our new leisure centre will be for all, with nobody excluded.”

Cllr Mochrie-Cox added that it wouldn’t just be the pool that would cater for family visits.

The Coldharbour ward resident said: “We want residents of Gravesham to be invested in healthy, active lifestyles from a very young age, and that is why a new centre is the best way to go.

“The layout of the existing Cascades, which has evolved over a period of time rather than being logically planned, means it is impossible for us to refurbish it in a way that helps us achieve that aim.

“I’m really excited at the possibilities a new, bespoke leisure centre presents, and I am sure local families and athletes alike will share that excitement as our plans develop.”

Originally constructed in the late 60s and 70s, Thong Lane centre changed its name to Cascades following a £2.6 million transformation project, which included a new leisure pool, in 1988.

But the new report notes a survey in 2019 highlighted a number of problems with the building, including pool and floor tiling which it states is "in poor condition and can result in injury to users."

It also says the flume structure is corroding and requires extensive overhaul, the changing areas are ageing and in need of refurbishment, and the main pool is in need of attention.

Although replacing the building is more expensive than refurbishing, it was felt a new centre was preferable to help accommodate the new swimming area, provide a better centre and a greater capacity to generate more money.