Kentish Express Ashford & District
Recreation centre closes as new operators pull out
Nursery will continue and trust goes ahead with improvements
The trustees at Kingsnorth Recreation Centre have confirmed that it has closed until later this year after a new operator pulled out of a takeover.
The managing contract at the centre in Field View, Park Farm, held by Ashford Leisure Trust – which also manages the Julie Rose Stadium and The Stour Centre – ended last Friday.
It was to be taken over by a new operator, Slice-of-Life, on Saturday, April 1, but it pulled out with less than two weeks to go.
The Kingsnorth Recreation Centre Trust have now confirmed that planned works to improve facilities will still go ahead at the centre, costing nearly £130,000.
Trevor Measday, chairman of trustees, said: “It is with regret that the Trustees have taken the decision to partially close the Kingsnorth Recreation Centre until late September.
“The parish office and Little Acorns Nursery will stay open.
“This decision was taken due to the inability to appoint a suitable operator.
“It has been the plan since September 2016 to partially close the centre to carry out extensive works inside and out.
“It is likely to take until late September to complete the work. “The trustees are committed to providing a modern facility for the community of Kingsnorth.”
ALT had managed Kingsnorth Recreation Centre for the Kingsnorth Recreation Centre Trust since 2006, taking over from Serco Leisure. ALT confirmed jobs at the centre in Kingsnorth are now at risk.
The recreation centre contains a gym and large hall for chil- dren’s parties, fitness classes, drama rehearsals and parent and toddler clubs.
There will be a manned reception at the centre from 10am to 5pm through to Thursday, April 13 to deal with member inquiries.
ALT say members and hirers should contact the Stour Centre on 01233 667121 to discuss options available to them further.