Sheerness paddling pool set for major revamp

Work has begun on a full refurbishment of the Beachfields paddling pool in Sheerness.  

The project is part of Swale Borough Council’s ongoing work to increase investment in the town and is funded by the UK Government through the Sheerness Revival project, and the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PIPIF).

The original scope for Sheerness Revival was to expand the area around the paddling pool outside the Healthy Living Centre to create more space for seating and picnic tables.

New facilities including toilets accessible from within the fenced area and a serving hatch for the new cafe inside the leisure centre, are also planned.

But now, thanks to the council securing additional funding from the PIPIF, the rubber crumb flooring around the pool will be replaced, the pool itself will be resurfaced, new doors on the storerooms will be installed, and the surrounding walls will be repainted.  

This, alongside repairs to the water plant equipment which keeps the pool clean, will refresh the area creating a pleasant place for your children to swim while parents enjoy the sun and the seaside breeze.  

The paddling pool will need to remain closed while these additional works take place, and the pool is expected to reopen later this year once the wider Beachfields works are complete.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the economy and property committee, said:  

“Our Sheerness Revival project has come so far, from creating detailed plans to having two completed projects and a third well on the way.

“The healthy living centre extension is taking shape, and the internal layout of the centre is unrecognisable as we work to improve the space for every occupant and resident that uses this important space.

“The paddling pool is incredibly popular, but it was in desperate need of a refresh, so we are taking the opportunity of the works at the centre to improve this area too, while providing access to the new café and toilets.

“And now that we have secured additional funding we will be able to do even more improvements to the paddling pool, including repairing the water plant, installing new rubber crumb flooring, redoing the pools surface and refreshing the whole area.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we do this important work, these investments will undoubtably leave a long-lasting positive impact on Sheerness, and will continue updating you on our progress so you know when it will be reopening.”

The ambitious plans for the centre also include modernising and improving the healthcare facilities and creating a custom-made space for local wellbeing charity Sheppey Matters.  

There will also be improved leisure facilities, including a new adventure play area, with tag active elements - a unique way to get exercise while traversing an obstacle course.

The existing gym facilities will be expanded and refurbished to help people keep fit and healthy, alongside the new café.  

In addition to general improvements to the surrounding area, a Sheerness themed adventure golf course has also opened, proving popular with locals and visitors alike.  

The project in Beachfields is a key component of the council's £20 million Sheerness Revival programme 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 other elements of Sheerness Revival include the recently completed expansion of EKC Sheppey College, providing engineering and design courses and creating space for a new junior college.  

Makers Studios have also been created at Masters House, offering spaces for young entrepreneurs to build their businesses with the support of enterprise charity Launch It.

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