Early site preparations are progressing for Gravesend's new Cascades Leisure Centre, as Gravesham Borough Council and Willmott Dixon move the scheme into its next phase.

The programme includes demolition in early spring to clear the existing facility and set up the site, paving the way for construction of a low‑carbon leisure centre.

Designed to replace the ageing complex, the new venue will be capable of hosting regional events and will broaden the family offer. Proposals include a 25m pool, 17m learner pool, aqua play and water flume area, spectator seating, a six‑court sports hall, multi‑level soft play, party and community rooms, and a café.

Willmott Dixon was named the council's construction partner for the pre‑construction phase in September 2025 via a direct award through the Pagabo framework.

Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon's managing director in the South, said: "This is an exciting moment because people will start to see activity on site. The new leisure centre will be an outstanding facility for the local community, combining sustainability with exceptional family-friendly spaces."

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Cllr John Burden, Leader of Gravesham Borough Council, said: "After two years in the planning, and following extensive lobbying supported by our local MP Lauren Sullivan to secure government funding for this project, this will be a landmark day for the borough. Regular users of Cascades will testify that it is at the end of its natural life, and a modern, energy-efficient replacement is needed.

"To see shovels in the ground on site after all the hard work to get to this point will be tremendously rewarding."

Lauren Sullivan MP added: "After a long journey it was great to see the start of this fantastic work on a brand-new regional sports and leisure centre for the people of Gravesham and beyond. This has been achieved through a working partnership between Gravesham Borough Council and the government, who have funded this. With Willmott Dixon as the construction partners – I look forward to seeing the project grow and develop into a fantastic community facility for the borough."

The appointment builds on Willmott Dixon's leisure credentials, with more than 160 facilities delivered in the past decade, including 108 swimming pools. Its track record with project architects Space & Place on Cozenton Park Sports Centre in Rainham — the first new council‑built sports centre in Medway for over 30 years — helped secure selection, alongside recent decarbonisation work for North Hertfordshire Council across leisure centres in Hitchin, Royston and Letchworth.

Alongside construction, the company will deliver social value initiatives in Gravesham, including hiring locally, training management trainees, offering student work placements in targeted postcode areas, providing hundreds of hours of career mentoring for young people and adults, and engaging with schools. A £5,000 contribution will go to the Gravesham Community Pot, and employees will volunteer on local initiatives such as hospice events and community walks.

The start of on‑site activity this spring marks a key milestone on the path to completion in 2028, when residents will benefit from modern, sustainable facilities for years to come.