Opening date set for Cozenton Park Sports Centre, formerly known as Splashes, in Rainham

The reopening date for a sports complex which has undergone a multi-million-pound transformation has been revealed.

The new-look Cozenton Park Sports Centre, formerly known as Splashes, in Rainham, will welcome its first visitors on Wednesday, July 17.

Work started to demolish and completely rebuild the leisure centre, in Bloors Lane, two years ago, and it is now almost complete ready for the summer.

The £23.65million sports complex will have two pools, one featuring a flume, wave machine, and beach area, and the other four-lanes for swimming and lessons.

This is alongside a gym and dance studio with room for exercise classes, and children’s parties, plus family and accessible changing rooms.

Portfolio holder for heritage, culture and leisure at Medway Council, Cllr Harinder Mahil, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to Cozenton Park Sports Centre, and hope as many of you as possible will get to enjoy the fun here over the coming months.

“Whether you are starting out on a fitness journey or you are already a few marathons into one, Cozenton Park’s doors are welcome to all, and the centre will be a hub of fun and fitness for all ages.

“I for one am looking forward to trying out the new facilities and taking my daughter to the pool.

“In fact the centre will hopefully be where she gets her first swimming lessons, as I am sure will be the case for thousands of Medway children.”

It is the first time in more than 30 years Medway Council has built a new sports centre.

In June 2021, it was announced the former Splashes was to be demolished to stop it from becoming an "eyesore" and to make way for a new facility.

The plans were revealed shortly after Medway Council announced a £5million revamp had been put on hold because surveys of the site had identified issues with the structure.

The site first opened in the 1970s and Splashes was built on what was a former quarry next to it, opening in May 1990.