by Tricia Jamieson

tjamieson@thekmgroup.co.uk

A funding package has been secured to start work on multi-million pound improvements to Folkestone Sports Centre.
The final link in the money chain – an annual £211,000 grant for the next five years – came from Shepway council, to the delight of centre manager Tessa Stickler (pictured).
“This was the final piece of funding we were waiting for,” she said. “We are now off and running.
“Not much has changed since the centre was opened in 1972 so this is long overdue.
“It is a lot of work and is a leap of faith, providing for the benefit of the whole community.”
The redevelopment has been split into three phases.
Phase one, costing £1,500,000, includes a new 70-station gym in the main building where the cafe is now; new cafe/bar, kitchen and toilets; better disabled access; viewing balcony for the main pool; new aerobics studio and improved entrance and foyer.
The children’s gym will also be moved elsewhere in the building, as will the toning studio and therapy unit which will also be re-equipped.
“There will also be a lot of work done which the public will not see, such as a new roof, upgraded pipework and heating,” said Mrs Stickler.
“We are creating a sustainable building for the future to bring it into the next century.”
It is hoped work will start in January or February next year, and be completed by July or August. The centre will stay open throughout.
There is no timescale for phase two of the work, which includes improving the ski centre and golf course and upgrading the changing rooms.
“We are only doing what we can afford to do,” said Mrs Stickler, who remembers as a child raising money for the centre to be built.
“This is a unique centre with a ski slope, tobogganing, a golf course and an eight court sports hall.
“Where else could you get all that?”