Great news for Folkestone! The sports centre is reopening with a new owner, bringing joy back to the community after its sudden closure.
Folkestone: The Folkestone Sports Centre is making a comeback! After shutting down unexpectedly in July, it’s set to reopen with a new owner. The previous trust faced some serious financial issues, with costs skyrocketing by £250K over two and a half years.
Many folks were feeling the pinch, which led to a drop in income for the centre. The trustees realized they couldn’t keep things running and had to throw in the towel. It’s a bummer because the centre had so many fun activities, like swimming, a ski slope, foot golf, gymnastics, and even party spaces.
In September last year, the centre was put up for sale, and a campaign to save it took off, gathering nearly 9,000 signatures. Now, the good news is that a buyer has been found, but we’ll have to wait a bit to find out who it is due to some legal stuff that needs sorting out.
Folkestone and Hythe MP Tony Vaughan is thrilled about the reopening, calling it a massive win for the community. He thanked everyone who signed the petition and supported the campaign to save the centre. The Folkestone Swimming Club is also excited, saying they can’t wait to return home.
The property spans over 11 acres and has a rich history, originally part of the Radnor Estate. It was gifted by Lord Radnor back in the 1960s, with the main centre opening in 1972, thanks to Princess Anne.
