Medway Council has revealed its plans for the state of the art sports centre that is to replace the old Splashes Leisure Centre at Cozenton Park in Rainham.

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.

The centre will have family changing rooms and be supported by 112 parking spaces, including seven disabled and five with electric charging points. There will also be spaces for 32 cycles.

The access to the new centre from Bloors Lane will remain as currently, though the new building, which is slightly larger than the old centre, will be set back a little further away from the road.

It will be two storey, as was the Splashes Leisure Centre, which has now been demolished.

The council said there was an increasing need to replace the "utilitarian" old Splashes, which dated from the 1990s, as it had become uneconomic to maintain.

It said there was a vital need to maintain sports provision within Medway, because of the growing population - now at over 280,00 people - and because on average Medway folk were more obese than the national average.

The new centre will offer free swimming to the under-16s and over-60s.

It is expected the new Splashes Sports Centre will open in the summer of 2024.

Residents will be able to see an exhibition about the proposals for themselves, with displays at Rainham Library between Tuesday, May 10, and Saturday, May 14, and again at Twydall Library between Tuesday, May 17, and Saturday, May 21.

Cllr Howard Doe, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “I am delighted to be revealing the plans for a new family-friendly sports centre in Medway.

"The proposed sports centre in Rainham will be a welcomed addition to Medway Council’s existing sports and leisure offer, including Medway Park in Gillingham - a centre of sporting excellence with an athletics track, plus Strood Sports Centre – a footballer’s dream with outdoor pitches and Hoo Sports Centre with its enjoyable exercise classes."

He said: "Splashes was a much-loved facility by generations of families from across Medway and the plans for the proposed sports centre have children in mind, as well as facilities for adults to enjoy.

"I would encourage residents to make note of the public exhibitions in May so they can view the designs in person and give their feedback to help shape the plans to provide Medway’s families and residents with another popular facility on their doorstep.”

Rainham North ward councillor Martin Potter (Con) said: "It's great news the plans have now been unveiled and I am pleased we will have the local exhibitions so local people can see the plans and have their say.

"As a lifelong Rainham resident this personally means a lot to me, and I am grateful to fellow councillors for their commitment over the years lobbying for Splashes, and to the public for their support to replace this much needed family leisure and fitness facility."

Further details from Medway Council's website, planning reference: 22/0828