Plans have been submitted for a free outdoor gym at a beach which could be built as early as next year.
If approved, the scheme will see 10 pieces of equipment installed on the seafront off The Strand in Walmer, neighbouring the existing Roman Landings Adventure Golf course.
How the new gym equipment at Walmer beach could look. Picture: WTC
Proposals first emerged for the scheme in May 2023, with the idea put forward to install a variety of apparatus along the town’s promenade.
But following conversations with industry experts, it was concluded that there would be greater benefit to the community by installing the equipment in an area with higher footfall, increasing the social element by allowing groups to train together.
Now, Walmer Town Council (WTC) has submitted plans to Dover District Council (DDC) for the new gym.
Documents submitted by architects, the Smith Group, state that the project will provide a variety of benefits to the community.
The Whitfield-based firm adds: “The facility will feature a range of high-quality cardio, strength, and cross-training equipment, designed to replicate the benefits of an indoor gym in an open-air coastal environment.
The proposed site for a new beach gym in Walmer. Picture: Smith Group
“The emphasis will be on multi-functional, inclusive, and accessible equipment, ensuring usability across diverse user groups and encouraging year-round participation.
“This proposal represents a valuable and well-considered enhancement to the Walmer seafront, offering a free and inclusive facility that encourages greater community participation in physical activity.”
The gym will be freely available to those over the age of 13
Discussions are also underway with DDC to secure a lease agreement for the use of the beach for the new equipment.
A public consultation, conducted by WTC in April 2024, revealed overwhelming support for the project, with 87% indicating they would use the outdoor facility.
Walmer Town Council say it chose the location due to high footfall with beach huts neighbouring the proposed gym site. Picture: Smith Group
So far, 53 comments have been registered on DDC’s planning portal, with none opposing the scheme.
Sally Russell commented: “There are many benefits, physical and mental, of regular exercise, and few opportunities for people to find a variety of free options to engage with something they will enjoy.
“This facility will be a great asset to the town and something of which we can be rightly proud.”
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
Samuel Hursey added: “This would be a great use of the space, an opportunity to help improve people’s physical and mental health without having to pay for a private gym.”
The proposed site for a new gym on Walmer seafront
However, it was noted the location is at risk of flooding, being positioned in flood risk zone three.
A decision is expected by DDC early next year.