A multi-million pound redevelopment of a sports centre has been given the go ahead.

The much-loved Splashes leisure centre at Cozenton Park, Rainham, will undergo a £17.85m redevelopment after councillors approved the plans.

Demolition of the existing pool - which is owned by Medway Council and opened in 1990 - began in January.

The new facility in Bloors Lane will includes a training pool for lane swimming and lessons, as well as a fun pool with flume, wave ball pool and beach area.

There will also be a fitness gym, room for exercise classes and children’s parties and family and accessible changing rooms.

Environmentally-friendly features will include solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and an air source heat pump.

During a planning committee meeting last night (Wednesday, June 29) the plans were welcomed by councillors.

Ward councillor Martin Potter (Con) said: "I think it will be an excellent facility for Rainham and the whole of Medway."

He also called on the construction company to make sure it keeps residents informed during the build.

Cllr Potter also mentioned how he would have liked to have seen the planned cafe facing out onto the park, rather than onto the 25-metre lane pool, whilst Cllr Gary Hackwell (Con) decided not to back the plans, saying it would have been better if the cafe faced the kids' pool so parents can watch their children.

Committee chairman Cllr Diane Chambers (Con), said: "I think it's a sad situation that we are here. It's a great pity that what was built there initially hasn't stood the test of time and quite clearly, it would have been much cheaper if it had"

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.

It is hoped the centre could open in the summer of 2024.

• The committee had been due to discuss plans put forward by the council to install solar panels on the roof of Medway Council's Chatham headquarters. Councillors were advised to refuse permission for the scheme after planning officers said the panels would be harmful to the Grade II-listed building. The plans were not discussed during the meeting as the decision was deferred at the authority's request.