Delivering for Cranbrook: Lib Dem-Led Administration Secures Green Light for Major New Leisure and Health Facilities

Driven by our party’s commitment to Cranbrook, long-awaited approvals have been granted for a state-of-the-art Leisure and Wellbeing Centre, a future Neighbourhood Health Centre, and expanded commercial and community spaces in the heart of the town. This milestone finally delivers the vital infrastructure needed to support our rapidly expanding community.

Following through on our pledges to local people, the fully permitted leisure facility will boast a 25-metre six-lane swimming pool alongside a dedicated learner pool. Visitors will also benefit from a new gym, fitness studios, a library, versatile clinical and community rooms, a café, and soft play areas, all surrounded by upgraded public spaces, landscaping, and dedicated parking.

Cllr Nick Hookway, our Lib Dem EDDC Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism, said:

“Cranbrook’s new leisure centre will have state-of-the-art sport, leisure, and health facilities, with our pools featuring cutting-edge, eco-friendly microfiltration technology and renewable energy technologies powering the centre.

“This isn't just about providing a pleasant swimming environment; it’s about showing that when we make a commitment to the health, wellbeing, and future of our residents, we actually follow through.

“We haven't stopped there. Outline permission has also been granted for a future Neighbourhood Health Centre and additional development that could accommodate local business or emergency service provisions.

“The development forms a key part of our administration’s long-term vision for Cranbrook town centre and will help provide services, facilities and opportunities closer to where people live.”

Lib Dem Cllr Todd Olive, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Place, Infrastructure and Strategic Planning, said:

"This is a significant milestone for Cranbrook and an important step towards delivering the town centre facilities that residents have long been waiting for.

"This administration continues to provide opportunities for all - the new leisure and wellbeing centre will allow people of all ages to be more active, improve their health and wellbeing, as well as providing better access to community services.

"Alongside future health and commercial facilities, this development will help create a vibrant town centre that serves the needs of Cranbrook's growing community both now and in the future."

Councillor Paul Arnott, the Lib Dem Leader of EDDC and the Deputy Leader of DCC, said:

“Securing this planning permission is a massive milestone, proving that our administration is actively delivering on our ambitious vision for Cranbrook. We are finally providing the top-tier facilities that this growing community needs and deserves.

“This project is a prime example of our commitment to building a thriving, sustainable town, placing vital leisure, health, and community services right where they belong: at the heart of Cranbrook. While there is still hard work ahead to get spades in the ground, today’s victory shows we won't stop until these doors are open for our residents.”

In line with our core commitment to tackling the climate emergency, the leisure and wellbeing centre has been designed as a landmark civic building and will feature renewable energy technologies, including air source heat pumps and solar panels. On top of this, the wider scheme also includes improvements to public spaces, walking and cycling links, sustainable drainage features and biodiversity enhancements.

Next steps depend on confirming necessary funding, procurement and delivery arrangements, and our administration will continue to fight every step of the way to get this over the line for our community.