‘10 years on this should be seen as a good investment’

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) says the redevelopment has turned around the fortunes of the Stour Centre.

Back in 2001 the number of annual visits had dropped to around 350,000. At first council chiefs hoped a new leisure centre would see 500,000 visits each year, but now the centre welcomes 600,000 visits per year.

Meanwhile some 1,500 children from 23 schools across the borough enjoy their swimming lessons there every week.

ABC portfolio holder for cul- ture Cllr Mike Bennett said: “There were some difficulties with the project, as is often the case with multimillion-pound redevelopments.

“But 10 years on this should be seen as a good investment when one considers the pleasure and enjoyment provided to the community.

“The new centre has earned a reputation as one of the best leisure facilities in the South East for both residents and visitors. It is a great asset for our borough.”

The leisure pool boasts some of the longest flume slides in the region, with the red flume one of the fastest. The raging river rapids are among the longest in the UK and there are also wave machines and learner pool.

But what about the future? Could there be further redevelopment of the other half of the old Stour Centre?

Cllr Bennett remained tightlipped, but added: “There are some exciting plans on the horizon and hopefully we will be able to make an announcement on this soon.”

Cllr Mike Bennett