Dover District Council to Review Closure of Tides Leisure Centre Sports Facilities

Deal: The Tides Leisure Centre is facing a nine-month closure. This decision will be reviewed next week. The council heard it could greatly affect local residents.

Dover District Council announced the closure will start on April 1. This is due to the current operator’s lease ending. The sports hall, swimming pool, and tennis courts will all be closed until January 2026.

After January, only the sports hall and tennis courts will reopen. The swimming pool and gym will undergo a £20 million refurbishment, finishing in summer 2027.

Many community groups are unhappy about the closure. Over 1,100 people signed a petition against it. Sports clubs voiced their concerns at a recent council meeting.

DDC’s overview and scrutiny committee discussed the issue after a request from the Conservative group. Councillors want the Labour leaders to explore options to keep the facilities open.

Parents and coaches from East Kent Acro Gymnastics are urging DDC to reconsider. They’ve been at Tides for 20 years and feel blindsided by the closure notice.

Peter Tullo from Walmer Lawn and Tennis Croquet Club spoke about the impact on their club. He emphasized that tennis is growing and the indoor facility is important.

Kelly Siadatan, head coach at East Kent Acro, made a heartfelt appeal. She explained their unique needs and how the closure could end their club.

Ron Condon from Deal Badminton Club expressed concern too. He mentioned that finding an alternative venue is tough for their small group.

Cllr Charlotte Zosseder apologized for the situation. She explained that they couldn’t contact clubs before the decision was made. The council is working hard to support affected groups.

She assured everyone that the reopening will be part of the new operator’s contract. A new six-lane pool and larger gym are planned, but current slides won’t be replaced.

DDC’s cabinet will meet on Monday at 6pm in Whitfield to discuss this further.