A new outdoor gym could be installed on a seafront this summer as plans advance.
The scheme will see 10 pieces of equipment set up off The Strand in Walmer, neighbouring the existing Roman Landings Adventure Golf.
How the new gym on Walmer seafront is set to look. Picture: Kompan
Proposals for the scheme first emerged in May 2023, with Walmer Town Council (WTC) hoping to introduce a variety of apparatus along the town’s promenade.
But following conversations with industry experts, it was thought there would be greater benefit to the community by installing equipment in an area with higher footfall, increasing the social element by allowing groups to train together.
Originally, a planning application for the scheme was submitted by WTC to Dover District Council (DDC) in December 2025.
However, this was withdrawn earlier this year because it was agreed the project could proceed under a lawful development certificate, which does not require planning permission.
DDC has also agreed upon a lease for the use of the land on the town’s seafront.
The proposed site for the new gym on Walmer seafrontThe new outdoor gym will be placed on Walmer seafront
WTC has since ordered the materials and equipment from supplier Kompan.
The purchase was made possible by £15,000 in National Lottery funding awarded to the authority by Sport England.
WTC member Cllr Louise Ludwig said: “We are delighted to have secured this investment on behalf of the community.
“This means we can deliver a comprehensive range of the highest quality of outdoor gym equipment, ensuring we deliver a destination beach gym for all to enjoy.
“Thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery, we wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”
The gym will include cardio, strength and cross-training equipment and will be freely available to those over the age of 13.
Walmer Town Council member Cllr Louisa Ludwig is delighted to see the gym project moving forward. Picture: Walmer Town Council
A public consultation, conducted by WTC in April 2024, revealed overwhelming support for the project, with 87% indicating they would use the outdoor facility.
Before being withdrawn, the planning application submitted to DDC received support from residents, with 53 comments registered and none opposing the scheme.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.”
The Roman Landings Adventure Golf will neighbour the beach gym
Currently, WTC is waiting to agree on an installation plan with Kompan, with hopes it will take place this summer.
Earlier this month, Kompan’s latest Kent project, a new £78,000 play park, eight years in the making, was unveiled.
More than 100 people attended the opening of the site in Lympne, near Hythe, which boasts slides, swings, a seesaw, a trampoline and a climbing frame.
Last year, the equipment supplier also installed a new train-themed play park near the bandstand in Ashford town centre, in the raised planter area outside B&M and CeX.
The £150,000 development was a part of Ashford Borough Council’s “town centre reset”, which hopes to increase visitors’ time in the area.