NEWS
ASHFORD TO BENEFIT FROM £ 9M INVESTMENT IN LEISURE PROVISION
A major refurbishment of Ashford ’ s The Stour Leisure Centre , which will significantly improve the leisure offer for the local community , is on target to open this Summer . On offer will be an extended gym with new equipment ; a new soft play and clip and climb ; a dedicated café area ; an upgraded reception ; and new leisure pool features .
The refurbishment is just one of a number of community and leisure facilities across the borough which are being improved , with Ashford Borough Council , in partnership with Freedom Leisure , investing over £ 9 million in total .
In addition , a new fitness suite at the Julie Rose Stadium is planned , while both reception areas and the catering offer will be improved with the introduction of Costa Coffee . Tenterden Leisure Centre will also benefit from a new roof amongst other improvements .
Ivan Horsfall Turner , Freedom Leisure managing director , said : “ It ’ s great to see the investment into redeveloping The Stour Centre really starting to take shape . Being active is a key factor in maintaining our physical and mental health and wellbeing , and it can really help to strengthen the immune system which is so important right now ”.
£ 1M HOMELESS PROJECT OPENS
CHRISTCHURCH LODGE ASHFORD
SHARON WILLIAMS AND CLLR BILL BARRETT OFFICIALLY OPEN CHRISTCHURCH LODGE IN ASHFORD
An innovative project that is set to benefit homeless households and save local taxpayers money has opened in Ashford .
Having purchased a large disused home in Beaver Road for £ 430,000 , Ashford Borough Council has invested around £ 500,000 to convert it into eight homes , capable of accommodating up to 25 people . An extensive refurbishment programme has been completed , adding facilities like a communal kitchen , dining room and laundry room .
Now renamed Christchurch Lodge , the building follows the same blueprint adopted by the council when it created Christchurch House in 2013 . Transformed into good quality short-stay accommodation , the initial project was so successful that the money saved on placing homeless people in costly B & Bs meant that Christchurch House paid for itself in four years .
Kent-based Jenner Contractors , who carried out the Christchurch Lodge project , were committed to using high-quality products and materials to ensure maximum build quality , environmental sustainability and energy efficiency .
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