Plans for Beachfields approved
Published
Friday 17 January, 2025
Updated
Friday 17 January, 2025
Plans to improve access to health and leisure facilities in Sheerness have been approved.
The plans to expand and refurbish Sheppey Leisure Centre were submitted by Alliance Leisure, on behalf of Swale Borough Council, and have been approved by the council’s planning committee.
The project in Beachfields is a key component of the council's £20 million Sheerness Revival programme - funded by the UK Government - which aims to improve the health and wellbeing, education and leisure facilities on the Island and create new employment and training opportunities for local people.
The plans will create a significant expansion of the existing offering.
Modernizing and improving the GP facilities and will move the surgery to the ground floor to improve access to this important healthcare provision.
There will also be improved leisure facilities within the centre, including a new adventure play area and tag active - a fun modern activity for kids (and grown-ups!) to get exercise while traversing an obstacle course.
Sheppey Matters, an award-winning health and well-being charity based in the Sheppey Healthy Living Centre, will have a purpose-built space to help them continue providing their valuable and important services to locals.
The existing gym facilities will be expanded and refurbished to help people keep fit and healthy, and a new cafe is planned.
The Innerva gym will move across from the current Pool building, uniting all dry side facilities and providing all gym users with ready access to the range of facilities.
The plans include improvements to the outside of the building, and changes to the interior layout to make better use of the space for residents and tenants alike to use.
Outside improvements include a new adventure golf course and outdoor gym, the adventure golf course will be themed around local heritage and attractions to help raise pride in the local area.
The other elements of the Sheerness Revival programme include plans for the expansion of Sheppey College and the refurbishment of Masters House and creation of workshop space, which have both already been approved by the council.
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 Borough 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
“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.”
