Up to 30 jobs at the new Dover District Leisure Centre are set to be advertised later this month.

The £26 million facility in Whitfield, which is due to open in February, will have a number of “general recruitment” vacancies including lifeguards, maintenance staff and swimming teachers.

All of the roles are set to be made public on Monday, November 19.

Speaking on Thursday, centre contracts manager Tony Crafer said: "We’re looking to increase from the 78 members of staff we’ve currently got by probably 20 or 30 new ones.

“We’re looking to start the general recruitment on November 19, and that process will go on for four weeks.

“That’s general recruitment from lifeguards, reception, fitness staff, maintenance, gymnastics instructors and swimming teachers.

“They’ll be introduced to the site around the middle or end of January to give them time to settle hopefully in time for the new opening.”

120 people are currently working on the site to complete the project, although no official opening date has yet been announced by Dover District Council.

The centre is set to include an eight-lane swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, a gym, and outdoor 3G pitches.

Deputy leader Cllr Michael Conolly (Con) told the leisure centre project advisory group there was “no point rushing” the construction work if it would compromise the quality of the building or facilities.

He added: “I just feel if there is any concern about finishing it absolutely perfectly and it’s going to cost us another couple of weeks before opening, I’d take those two weeks.”

Members were told the contractors would be in a better position to give an handover and opening date in time for the group’s meeting in January.