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Sevenoaks council gives thumbs up to £20 million White Oak Leisure Centre redevelopment

A £20m leisure centre redevelopment has been approved.

Sevenoaks District Council agreed to plans to replace the White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley at a virtual meeting last night.

An artist's impression of how the new look leisure centre will look in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley.
An artist's impression of how the new look leisure centre will look in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley.

The major development will see the ageing complex on Hilda May Avenue demolished and replaced with a new build on the same site – the first of three phases.

Work is scheduled to begin this May with a new car park forming the second phase. The new centre and car park are is to open by May 2022.

Up to 40 apartments will also be attached to the site as part of the final phase, varying between one, two and three-bedroom flats.

The decision to knock down the 53-year-old building comes after it was deemed to be "reaching the end of its serviceable life" due to its age and condition.

Leader of the council, Peter Fleming (Con) praised what he labelled an "historic investment" and the largest the area had seen for 30 years.

Cllr Peter Flemming called the decision a "historic investment"
Cllr Peter Flemming called the decision a "historic investment"

He said: "For the last five years we have kept the building on life support.

"Residents are not accessing sport in the district so we need to change that. This is why a modern facility is needed."

But some members at the current leisure centre were dissatisified with the proposals which they said did not offer good value for money and could force club members out.

Primetime, the fitness club for over 50s which meets three mornings each week, expressed "fury" and said the new centre could not be considered a replacement.

Sport England also outlined rejections to the proposals which they said could lead to a reduction in fitness facilities.

A petition with more than 2,000 signatures was presented to the meeting, which was streamed live on the council's YouTube channel.

Lynne and Derek Sutton contested the proposals which they said were not fit for purpose
Lynne and Derek Sutton contested the proposals which they said were not fit for purpose

It was put together by regular centre users Derek and Lynne Sutton who set up a community group to represent the interests of different club members.

They costed two alternative plans which would see the pool and "wet facilities" updated but the existing sports hall retained at a lower cost.

Speaking ahead of the meeting Derek said: "Usually councillors are asked to spend more money, but the 2,000 plus signature petition is saying the opposite."

Cllr Fleming dismissed the alternative plans saying they were "not fully costed and have not got planning permission".

He said they would leave Swanley residents with half a leisure centre that is 45-years-old grafted onto a new building.

The council leader conceded that some sports clubs would be displaced and two – including the 70-member Highgate diving club, the longest running of its kind – would need to find new homes.

The existing White Oak Leisure Centre has served Swanley for more than 50 years Picture: John Westhrop.
The existing White Oak Leisure Centre has served Swanley for more than 50 years Picture: John Westhrop.

"For all the talk of the clubs, the majority will be able to access the clubs at the White Oak Leisure Centre," he said.

Cllr Fleming added various clubs such as Swanley swimming club and the gymnastic clubs were in favour of the proposals.

The council is currently in discussion with Orchards Academy in Swanley to fund improvements and allow clubs to use its sports hall.

It said this would be factored into the new leisure centre construction costs.

But this was slammed by Cllr Sarah Andrews (Con) who claimed the school hall would be inappropriate for the proposed use.

The White Oak councillor says she was told by a hockey club it was "so old its pucks would break the walls".

"The [school] sports hall is so old its pucks would break the walls"

She said: "The alternative here is older than White Oak and we have been told repeatedly it is past its sell by date.

"It was grim 35 years ago and nothing has changed – there has been no investment in that school."

The councillor, who is also a netball coach, raised concerns it would lead to a reduction in sports clubs which she said were "the gel which brings people together".

She added it could also prevent older people from accessing sport as the hall would only be available in the evenings.

An amendment was tabled to recommend approval subject to an audit of the hall's suitability and an assessment by Sport England but this was rejected.

Cllr Lesley Dyball (Con) urged councillors to "see the bigger picture".

Cllr Dyball urged councillors to back the proposal
Cllr Dyball urged councillors to back the proposal

The people and places cabinet member said she had spoken with various families who were extremely excited by the prospect of the new leisure centre and "swimming in a shiny new pool".

After some technical difficulties with cameras, councillors were then asked to vote on the motion indicating their vote verbally or by a thumbs up or down.

Members voted 37 to 12 in favour of the proposal, with one abstention.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks

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