Stour Centre in Ashford could get upgraded entrance as part of £6.5 million refurbishment

Published: 14:56, 18 February 2021 | Updated: 15:24, 18 February 2021

Plans to upgrade a leisure centre's entrance have been revealed as work continues on a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Confirmation of the closure of Ashford's Stour Centre came in July when the borough council voted in favour of the overhaul.

The proposed Stour Centre entrance canopy

The reception area will be updated as part of the £6.5 million project, as well as the installation of an extended gym, a new soft play area and a climbing area.

A new cafe serving Costa Coffee is being constructed, and new features will be added to the pool.

With a reopening target of June, the centre has been gutted and work is continuing at pace.

And now a new planning application reveals an additional feature being added to the centre as part of the revamp - a canopy outside the entrance.

Constructed of steel beams, it will be located at the door to the Station Approach centre.

How the Stour Centre entrance currently looks

Freedom Leisure has submitted its plans to ABC

A new soft play facility will cater for up to 150 children

In a design and access statement, applicant and council contractor Freedom Leisure states: "The aim of the design proposal is to provide a lightweight structure which is functional, in terms of providing shelter / shading as well as being aesthetically pleasing."

The sheltered area would be roughly 16.5 sq m, and would not cover the stairs leading up to the first floor landing.