A developer has scrapped plans to knock down one of a town’s most recognisable empty buildings – and will now keep and convert it instead.
The former Royal Leisure Centre in King Street, Deal – which once housed an arcade, snooker hall and cinema – had been set to be demolished under a scheme approved in 2023.
That plan would have replaced it with a four-storey block containing 16 flats above three retail units.
But following dozens of objections from residents who wanted the historic structure saved, the developer has had a change of heart.
A fresh application has now been lodged with Dover District Council to retain the building and transform it into 15 apartments, along with three commercial units at street level.
The proposal includes keeping the shopfronts along King Street, creating a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, and adding private terraces with sea views to some top-floor homes.
Cycle storage, refuse facilities and three parking spaces are also planned.
Developer Mark Woolls says the revised scheme came after listening to residents’ concerns.
“We’ve listened to the people of Deal and some of them aren’t very happy about the new build, so we’ve decided to keep the existing Royal and convert it,” he said.
“It’ll look much nicer, more in keeping with Deal.
“I’m so excited – it’ll look fantastic.”
The building sits within the Middle Street Conservation Area and, while not listed, is considered to contribute positively to the character of the surrounding historic streets.
Mr Woolls, who is also redeveloping the former Hutchings Motorcycles site in the town, says the conversion will better suit the location.
“It’s a much better look and I think it’ll look better in that part of the town, so we’re very happy with keeping it,” he said.
“As soon as the planning’s been given, we will start the build.”
The Royal Leisure Centre dates back to 1890 when it was built as the Oddfellows Hall before becoming a theatre two years later.
It served as a cinema from 1934 until 1981, later housing an amusement arcade on the ground floor and a snooker club upstairs.
In April 2021, the site was even used as a filming location for Danny Boyle’s TV drama Pistol.
When the demolition plans were approved in 2023, 37 people had objected, many arguing it was “part of the history” of the town and should be restored rather than flattened.
The new application argues that reusing the existing structure is more sustainable and “aligns more closely with heritage principles”, reducing demolition waste while preserving the townscape.
Mr Woolls says he hopes to get the green light by November 7.
If approved, work could start before the end of the year.
