Construction of a £26m leisure centre in Dover, Kent, has been given the go ahead, with work on the 21,000sq m (226,000sq ft) site set to begin later this month.

Dover District Council councillors agreed on Monday (11 September) that building work to replace the current 40-year old Dover Leisure Centre can now start, with the work representing a major investment in the district’s sport and leisure facilities.

As reported in January, BAM Construction had been chosen as the preferred building contractor to work on the pre-construction phase.

Following competitive tenders, BAM will also build the leisure centre. An announcement on the tender to manage the facility will be made in the coming weeks.

The new centre will feature a competition standard eight-lane swimming pool with spectator seating for 250 people, learner pool with moveable floor, four-court sports hall, squash courts, multi-function room, a gym with 120 stations, fitness studios, clip ‘n’ climb wall, and a café. The plans also include two outdoor 3G artificial pitches for five-a-side football and parking.

Sport England is providing £1.5m (US$2m, €1.7m) from its strategic facilities fund to help finance the centre, which is planned to open in early 2019.

“We’re delighted that we’re able to provide National Lottery funding to help create this superb new leisure centre for the community in Dover,” said Charles Johnston, property director for Sport England. “It will offer visitors a great experience, which is crucial in encouraging people to live more active and healthy lives.”