Tenterden Leisure Centre set for £2.6 million transformation

A leisure centre is set for a multi-million-pound transformation.

The refurbishment of Tenterden Leisure Centre in Recreation Ground Road will begin next month, and is expected to be completed around February next year.

The £2.6 million project has been funded by Ashford Borough Council (ABC), along with the operators, not-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure.

Freedom says the refurbishment will modernise the centre and “enhance customer experience” so it can meet the needs of the local community for years to come.

New facilities will also be added, including a new soft-play centre and new water-play features at the site’s pool.

Additional improvements include a new café with extra seating, modernised toilets and changing facilities, and refurbished exercise class and indoor cycling studios.

The facility currently features a multi-purpose sports hall, swimming pool, jacuzzi, water flumes, and a health suite with a sauna.

Tenterden Leisure Centre has served sports lovers since being formally opened by Princess Diana in October 1990.

At the end of last year, Freedom Leisure, which also runs the Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and Spearpoint Pavilion in Ashford, had its contract to remain in charge of the Tenterden site extended for a further decade.

The new contract also meant £2.6 million would be invested into the centre, which will be used for the transformation over the coming months.

Freedom Leisure area manager Chris Ashley said: “These upgrades represent a significant investment in the centre and the community.

“Along with the council, we are committed to providing a welcoming, modern, and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits Tenterden Leisure Centre.

“The new and exciting additions to the centre will make it the go-to destination for family fun, fitness and general wellbeing.

For more planning applications in your area visit the Public Notice Portal

“We can’t wait to get started and open our doors to a new and improved Tenterden Leisure Centre.”

Deputy leader of ABC, councillor Steve Campkin, added: “We are pleased to be investing in the future of Tenterden Leisure Centre alongside Freedom Leisure.

“This refurbishment is about much more than updating facilities, it’s about ensuring that people of all ages in our community have access to high-quality, modern spaces to enjoy fitness, wellbeing and family activities.

“The new additions, from the water play features to the interactive soft play, will make the centre a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have for years to come.”