New leisure centre for Swanley

Published: Thursday, 31st October 2019

Residents can have their say on a planning application for a brand new leisure centre in Swanley until 22 November 2019.

The modern, energy efficient facility would take over from the current White Oak centre, which has served generations of Swanley residents for more than 50 years. Built in 1967, the centre is coming to the end of its life and is expensive to run, uses a lot of energy and would cost too much to repair.

After Sevenoaks District Council unveiled its plans for a new centre in March, it has made a number of important changes following residents’ comments and suggestions.

The proposal for the new centre now includes:

• A 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool with a moveable floor making it suitable for beginners through to water polo clubs
• Learner swimming pool
• A viewing area for both swimming pools
• A multi-purpose sports area big enough for two badminton courts
• A state of the art, 100+ station modern fitness studio with a spin bike area
• A Feel Good Suite for people who need help to exercise
• Tag Active
• Soft play area
• Multi-purpose rooms and interconnected studios with moveable walls for classes and events
• Café and viewing area
• Car parking for around 140 vehicles and a coach drop-off point

The current White Oak Leisure Centre would remain open during the building works.

The planning application includes an outline proposal for two and three bedroom family homes on the current site. These homes are essential to the project as they will help to fund the new leisure centre.

Residents can view and comment on the planning application at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/whiteoak

They can also email their comments to comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk quoting reference 19/02951/HYB together with their name and address or by writing to: Development Services, Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent  TN13 1HG.

“The prospect of a new state-of-the-art leisure centre for Swanley is very good news," says Cllr Lesley Dyball, the Council's Cabinet Member for People and Places.

“The centre would provide excellent activities that 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.

“We’re really keen for residents to have their say on the new White Oak Leisure Centre proposals, which they can do as part of the planning application process."