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White Oak Leisure Centre, Swanley, to be replaced in £20m overhaul

A £20m project could see a brand new leisure centre open its doors to the public.

Sevenoaks council is proposing to build a new complex on the site of existing White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley, which has served residents for more than 50 years.

An artist's impression of how the new look leisure centre will look in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley. (20619030)
An artist's impression of how the new look leisure centre will look in Hilda May Avenue, Swanley. (20619030)

It says the building is now proving too costly to run and a "modern, energy-efficient facility" is needed to replace it.

The current centre would remain open during the works before being demolished after.

Plans include a 25-metre swimming and learner pool, a 100-station gym with rooms for classes and a soft play area.

There are also proposals for a multi-purpose sports area big enough for two badminton courts.

Other activities in the pipeline including Tag Active, an indoor playground for kids.

Car parking facilities will have enough space for 140 vehicles and a coach drop-off point.

There are plans to knock down the White Oaks Leisure Centre in Swanley and redevelop the land. Picture: Nick Johnson
There are plans to knock down the White Oaks Leisure Centre in Swanley and redevelop the land. Picture: Nick Johnson

Several changes have now been made to the planning application, which was originally submitted in March, after a backlash from residents and fitness groups.

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

The council says it has listened to comments and has made a number of "significant changes".

Council spokesman Daniel Whitmarsh said the development was a major commitment for a "council of its size and budget".

"The current centre is coming to the end of its life and is expensive to run, uses a lot of energy and will cost too much to repair," he said.

Cllr Lesley Dyball
Cllr Lesley Dyball

One member who runs a weekly roller disco session at the centre, said the two badminton courts would not offer the space required.

"The news the new build will have a hall one third of the original size is unimaginable to say the least," he said.

"Please reconsider a four badminton court minimum sports hall which then allows many more activities to take place such as 5 - side football, basket ball, cricket, and of course a much better space for our popular roller disco."

The application also includes a proposal for between 35 and 40 two and three bedroom family homes on the current site with the money from this used to fund the centre.

'The centre would provide excellent activities which reflect current leisure trends'

A Sevenoaks resident, who has been using the sports hall for more than 40 years, criticised the lack of consultation from the council.

He said: "The Local Plan does not allow for housing on this site and it cannot be classified as a windfall site.

"With a growing Swanley area there will be a greater demand in the future for the range of sports and activities to grow in the leisure centre.

"It needs more facilities than at present to meet future demand not to reduce it down to a small swimming pool and a gym."

Cllr Lesley Dyball (Con), cabinet member for people and places, is excited by the prospect of the new state-of-the-art facility which she said was "very good news" for residents.

“The centre would provide excellent activities which reflect current leisure trends. It would be environmentally friendly and economically viable, so we can continue to provide leisure in Swanley for generations to come," she said.

Residents can have their say on the proposals here. They can also email their comments to comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk quoting reference 19/02951/HYB.

The deadline for comments is November 22.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

Read more: All the latest news from Sevenoaks

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