Plans to tear down aging Tides Leisure Centre are set to be voted through next week – ahead of a multimillion-pound renovation project.

The much-loved swimming pool at the Deal centre was closed and drained of water on March 16 as the first step in the major overhaul planned for the site.

And the next phase of the project – to cost more than £20 million – will be for councillors to consider the plan to demolish the building at Dover District Council’s (DDC) cabinet meeting on Monday (May 12).

DDC leader, Kevin Mills, said: “We are delighted to continue to move forward with this major investment and to be considering this demolition.

"It has been a long journey, and we are thrilled to be so close to work beginning on the new leisure centre.

“We know how important these facilities are to our local communities, and we have worked hard to listen to all feedback.

"We look forward to taking the next step on the way to delivering these exciting facilities for residents and visitors in Deal and beyond.”

As well as the pool, Tides is home to a gym, sports centre and tennis courts.

The other “dry” facilities remain open at the site in Park Avenue.

They were initially pegged for closure along with the pool, but after an interim operator was found, owners DDC backtracked on that plan.

It was in January this year that the green light was given for the huge project, which was first proposed in 2019.

The renovation project is estimated to take two years, with a six-lane pool planned as well as a new gym and toddler splash pad.

The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

Subject to a cabinet decision, demolition works are set to start in the summer and cost up to £600,000.

These are also set to include the adjacent former nursery building.

DDC says a full planning application for the new building is expected in the coming weeks.