Princes Parade scheme moves step closer to reality

Construction will begin on site during the first quarter of 2022, however, preparatory work will begin on site as early as next month.

On-site testing commences in March to inform the final design of the substructure works for the development. This will be undertaken with expert ecological advice. Design for the realigned road and services has also commenced.

BAM has committed to hosting more than 340 hours of apprentice and trainee training time creating opportunities for local people. The same core team from BAM that worked on the highly acclaimed Dover Leisure Centre will be working on the Princes Parade development.

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said: “We’ve long held ambitions to replace our popular but old and tired swimming pool in Hythe. Improving physical and mental wellbeing is one of our key priorities for the next three years as part of our commitment to positive community leadership in our new Corporate Plan.

“Back in 2012, Princes Parade – a former municipal waste tip – was identified as the preferred location for this development. There have been years of careful deliberation, public consultation and painstaking preparation involved in this project.

“We think the residents of Hythe and the wider district deserve a new swimming pool and leisure facilities fit for the 21^st century. I’m delighted that this project is finally becoming a reality and I look forward to watching this community asset take shape.”

BAM’s Construction Manager Daniel Brenchley, who has built across Kent in his career, said: “We have exactly the right experience having delivered leisure facilities in coastal positions around the country and with our civil engineering heritage especially in a marine environment.

“We know that working considerately is extremely important and we’re committed to using our time here to help people with local career development through jobs, orders and training.”

“We will be working with our supply chain and local agencies to create new construction jobs here which will be advertised through local employment vehicles such as Job Centre Plus. We’re actively looking at training plans with our supply chain partners for developing skills and training opportunities too.”

BAM, which has completed over 100 contracts in Kent and has a continuous presence in the county – is initially operating on a PCSA – a pre-construction services agreement – while the full design of the scheme is finalised. The scheme is being procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF).

For more information about the Princes Parade scheme please visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/princesparade