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In pictures: A look back at Splashes Leisure Centre in Rainham as it is set to be replaced

By: Jenni Horn jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:30, 09 May 2022

Updated: 13:46, 09 May 2022

As people are being asked to have their say on the future of Splashes Leisure Centre, we take a look back at its past.

The pool in Rainham has been a firm favourite with families since it opened in 1990.

Inside Splashes when it opened in 1990
The main pool area pictured in 1990
The Beachcomber Cafe where you could get chips and other food after your swim

The layout of the pool, wave machine, 145ft flume and baby area made it popular with parents and young children.

Families enjoying the pool in 2017
An undated file picture of an exercise class in the pool
A new baby slide was installed in 2017

The pool has also hosted parties, fun days and annual Big Splash events.

A children's fun party at Splashes in 2001
Charlotte Nicholls, aged one, and aunt Lisa Duce enjoying one of the pool parties
A family fun day in 2007. Lynda Laird taking under water photos of the swimmers

The Medway Big Splash aimed to get people of all ages in the water and gave residents the chance to try activities such as synchronised swimming, diving, water-polo and aqua fit.

Splashes, along with other pools around Medway, hosted inflatable fun sessions and free family swims.

The Medway Big Splash 2019. Gary Burdon with Charlie and Bethany
Alfie Smithe , 11, has a diving lesson with Chris Pearson
Medway Big Splash 2015. Sarah and Chris Woods with George (4) and Elliot (10m)
Alexis, 3, and Daniel FIrmin, 6, with granddad Paul Firmin at a Medway Big Splash event

In 2015 the pool celebrated its 25th birthday with centre employees Jenny Dearlove and Tara Guile who had both worked there since it opened

Jenny was manager in 2015 but started as a lifeguard, earning £3 an hour.

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She said at the time: “The centre has always been a fun place to work at, there is a great sense of companionship among the staff and we have always worked well as part of a team.

“It is fantastic to see so many people who used to swim as a child and now bring their own children to the centre.”

Jenny Dearlove and Tara Guile with staff and children on Splashes' 25th birthday
Jenny Dearlove and co-workers at Splashes

On opening day in 1990, the pool in Bloors Lane charged £2.15 for adults and £1.65 for children.

The layout of the centre remained largely the same over the years, the most noticeable difference being the extension of the gym out on to the balcony over the pool.

The cafe at Splashes was closed in April 2016 and replaced with vending machines. Medway Council said the cafe did not receive enough customers to make it cost effective.

Rio Olympic themed family fun day. Nick Morris with Ellie and Katie aged 5 and 3

The centre hasn't been without its controversy. It had to close in 2003 after swimmers were hit by falling debris from the ventilation system.

It was shut for a month while repairs were carried out.

And in 2016, dozens of children and adults suffered with a sickness bug after visiting a Halloween-themed party at Splashes.

Customers enjoying the pool when it re-opened after repairs in 2003
Jackie White with her children Alex 5 months and Adam 4 having a splash when the pool re-opened in 2003

Splashes never re-opened after the first lockdown and the building was demolished earlier this year to make way for a new leisure centre.

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The council's original plan was to refurbish the leisure centre but when problems with the structure were uncovered it was decided to knock it down and start again.

Last month Medway Council revealed its plans for the new facility. It is hoped it will be open in the summer of 2024.

Splashes hosted the official launch of a free swimming for U16s and Over 60s in 2009
Josie Weed, 5, waits for the zorbing ball to fill with air

The design prepared by Space and Place Architects includes a 25m fitness pool, a separate leisure pool with flume ride, wave pool and beach area, a fitness gym, a multi-purpose studio suitable for private hire for birthday parties and the like, and a small cafe.

Residents will be able to see an exhibition about the proposals for themselves from tomorrow, with displays at Rainham Library from tomorrow, until Saturday, and again at Twydall Library between Tuesday, May 17, and Saturday, May 21.

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