Stour Centre Opens This
Week
The South East’s best new leisure destination, The Stour
Centre, opens in Ashford with a community celebration day on
Saturday 15 September.
The doors of the impressive new landmark will be unlocked at
11am and members of the public are invited to enjoy the stunning
facilities for the first time.
Originally built in the early Seventies, the centre has been
extensively remodelled to serve the sport and leisure needs of the
borough’s rapidly-expanding population.
Ashford Borough Council leader Paul Clokie said: “We set out
with a vision to build a first rate leisure centre which will
delight residents and visitors for many generations to come. We
wanted a beacon of excellence, an architectural statement which
reflects the borough’s exciting future and a facility unrivalled in
the region.
“I am sure the public will agree that our vision has been
achieved and I look forward to seeing the centre being used to its
full potential.“
Facilities behind the iconic, sweeping glazed façade include
three new pools, a state-of-the-art health club and a luxury spa
area.
Swimmers can now enjoy a refurbished 25 metre pool, circular
teaching pool, poolside jacuzzi and a separate leisure pool with
two thrilling new flumes and the exciting Raging River feature.
Upstairs, Contours Health Club boasts a range of 100 brand new
fitness machines set in an inspiring hall, as well as jacuzzi,
sauna and steam room facilities. There is also a café, juice bar
and therapy rooms.
The mayor of Ashford, Cllr Rita Hawes, will be the first person
to use the flumes on Saturday. She will perform the stunt in aid of
the Pilgrim’s Hospice just before 11am as she declares the building
open.
The council has agreed to waive charges at the Stour Centre car
park for the day and entry to the centre will be just £1 each. For
that people can enjoy all the new facilities as well as special
family fun activities such as trampolines, bouncy castle,
children’s games, group exercise classes and lifestyle
assessments.
The first members of the public to use the flumes were Amy
Staples, 11, a pupil at the North School, and Aaron Gasson, 13, of
Towers School. The pair won an art competition for the honour and
were invited to test-drive the flumes on 11 September. Their
winning artworks are also on display at the centre.
Ashford Borough Council's head of cultural services Mark Carty,
said: “Saturday will be a whole lot of fun and we hope to welcome
hundreds of people through the doors.”
Media Release 0270/07
12/09/2007
Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford TN23 1PL
Call: 01233 330290 Email: info@whatmattersashford.co.uk Text: 07765 897208
Copyright 2007 Ashford Borough Council
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