Refurb of Kent leisure centre will include upgraded gym, new cafe and 18-hole adventure golf course
Plans for a complete revamp of a Kent town’s leisure centre as part of a £20 million regeneration project have been given the green light.
The Sheppey Leisure Complex at Beachfields in Sheerness is set for significant refurbishment after Swale council’s planning committee approved the plans.
The centre is set to have a two-storey extension, a new cafe and an upgraded gym, as well as an 18-hole adventure golf course outside. There will also be an expanded GP facility on the ground floor of a revamped Healthy Living Centre, which sits next to the complex.
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Alliance Leisure submitted the plans in June last year – and they were unanimously approved at last night’s meeting. The changes form the centrepiece of the “Sheerness Revival” project – a £20m scheme funded by money the council received from the government’s Levelling-Up Fund.
The regeneration work also includes an extension to Sheppey College and the refurbishment of former council offices at Masters House into a business hub and modern office space.
It has not been revealed how much the work to the Sheppey Leisure Complex specifically will cost, but in December contractor Etec was appointed by the council to carry it out.
At the planning committee meeting yesterday (Thursday, January 16) a council officer explained to members: “The application comprises the existing leisure complex with an integrated healthy living centre.” Outdoor facilities will include “games courts and a paddling pool,” he added.
Additionally, it will include “an 18-hole adventure golf course including landscaping features, a water feature and obstacles inspired by local landmarks and history,” on grass outside to the east of the site.
Planning documents say the golf course would be open 10am to 4pm from November to March, and 10am to 8pm from April to October.
Occupants of the Healthy Living Centre, Minster Medical Group’s surgery and the charity Sheppey Matters, had already moved out in preparation for the refurbishment.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the Economy and Property Committee, said: “Improvements to the GP facilities and charity space are central to our plans for Beachfields because access to quality healthcare is fundamental to a healthy community.
“We also want the leisure complex to become a place for children to play, even when the weather isn’t great, so our plans include the creation of a soft play area and tag active.
“The expansion of Sheppey College, the development of Masters house and the redevelopment the leisure centre will improve the education, health, employment and leisure on the island.
“Now that all three of our Sheerness Revival projects have planning permission, we are excited to take the next steps towards making our ambitious plans a reality.”
Dave Harcourt, chief executive officer of Swale Community Leisure, said: “Swale Community Leisure (SCL) is proud to be part of the Sheerness Revival initiative.
“Our ability to deliver even more social impact value is greatly enhanced through the significant enhancements planned for the Sheppey Leisure Complex.
“Working in collaboration with Serco Leisure and Swale council, our mission to positively impact the well-being of the people of Swale aligns perfectly with this project.”
Nigel Martin, chief executive officer of Sheppey Matters, said: “Sheppey Matters is delighted to be part of The Sheerness Revival project and is looking forward to returning to the healthy living centre, welcoming its partners, volunteers, and residents into the newly renovated building, where a wide range of health and wellbeing community activities will once again be available for everyone.
“The charity’s area has been designed with a welcoming reception point upon entering with quick and easy access to services conveniently located in one area of the building.
“The healthy living centre is home to many vital Sheppey wellbeing services; a food bank, school uniform bank, loneliness and isolation support, youth activities and partner activities to name but a few – the Sheerness Revival project will secure these services for many years to come.”
Sukh Singh, director of Primary Care for NHS Kent and Medway, said: “NHS Kent and Medway welcome the plan to relocate and modernise the GP surgery facilities and provide improved access for patients as part of the redevelopment of Sheppey Health Living Centre.”