The £26m Dover District Leisure Centre is set to open its doors on February 2019.

Designed by GT3 Architects, the centre will include a competition-standard eight-lane pool with spectator seating for 250 people, 15m learner pool with movable floor, sauna, steamroom and a health club with a 120-station gym floor and three group exercise spaces – including an indoor cycling studio.

There will also be a four-court multi-sports hall, two squash courts, multifunction room, clip ‘n’ climb wall and a café.

Outdoor facilities include two outdoor 3G artificial pitches for five-a-side football.

Built by BAM Construction, the facility has been designed to meet the latest Sport England facilities requirements – including access for people with a wide range of disabilities – and has received a £1.5m grant from Sport England's Strategic Facility Fund.

The centre will be operated by Places Leisure (Places for People Leisure), which won a tender process for a 12-year management contract. Places Leisure currently operates 116 leisure facilities on behalf of local authorities across the country.

Councillor Keith Morris, leader of Dover District Council, said: “The new Dover District Leisure Centre represents a major investment in the health and well-being of the district.

"It’s going to be an amazing facility for all the family."