Work is set to begin on site this spring for Gravesend’s new £43m Cascades Leisure Centre, marking the start of a major transformation for the borough.

Gravesham Borough Council and Willmott Dixon are moving forward with early site activity that will prepare the ground for construction of the new low-carbon leisure facility. Demolition works will commence in early spring, clearing space for the new centre and readying the site for setup.

The new Cascades Leisure Centre will replace the existing ageing facility with a modern building designed to host regional events and provide an enhanced family fun offer. Plans include a 25m pool, 17m learner pool, aqua play and water flume area, spectator seating, a six-court sports hall, multi-level soft play zone, party and community rooms and a café.

Willmott Dixon was first announced as the council’s construction partner in September 2025, when it was appointed for the pre-construction phase 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.”

The appointment builds on Willmott Dixon’s position as a leading specialist in leisure facility delivery, with the company having completed more than 160 leisure facilities in the past decade, including 108 swimming pools.