Fresh hopes a much-loved leisure centre could be saved following its sudden closure have emerged after several “very credible bids” were put forward.

Folkestone Sports Centre shut at the end of July, resulting in 144 job losses after the charity running it said it could no longer afford to.

Administrators Opus Restructuring LLP, appointed in August, previously said building homes on the site would not be ruled out.

And last month, the site in Radnor Park Avenue was put on the market by specialist leisure property adviser Christie & Co.

But leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) Cllr Jim Martin (Green) has revealed multiple “encouraging” bids could soon be on the table.

He said: “We’ve met the receiver and we know what's happening. I can’t say too much at this time.

“But I have to say, I am encouraged because I do know that there are a couple of very credible bids that are going in.

“That may all come to nothing so I don't want to build false hope.

“But our fingers are crossed.”

Speaking to KentOnline, a spokesperson for Opus says it is “not in a position to comment until the offer period closes”.

Tony Vaughan, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, also says he is “encouraged to see the bids” but also would not comment further.

Folkestone Sports Centre has been used by generations of residents and its closure was described as a “massive loss for the community”.

Chairman of Folkestone Swimming Club, Ian Howes, said the group has been “left without a home” following the closure and says it is vital that it reopens.

The 54-year-old said: “Our main base at the moment is in Dymchurch at New Beach. They have been very kind to accommodate us.

“It’s a very concerning time for swimmers when the only public pool available is the one in Hythe.

“There have been rumours that the council had said if there were any major problems with it again, that they wouldn't be able to afford to repair it.

“So I don't think it's in a position to take on a big influx of people.

“If people aren't able to swim in our area it's going to have such a big impact. Swimming is not only a sport but also a vital life skill.

“Even though it’s going to be difficult we have to remain positive that the sports centre will re-open. We will continue to campaign actively.”

Earlier this month, Mr Vaughan (Lab) applied to register Folkestone Sports Centre as an “asset of community value”.

It means if accepted, the site’s sale process would have to be paused to allow community groups to take priority to bid on taking over the site.

Documents published by FHDC show there are a number of restrictive covenants on the land, namely that it is used for recreational purposes only.

It is not clear how much it will be sold for but Christie and Co says it is asking for offers.

The property, which occupies a site of just over 11 acres, originally formed part of the Radnor Estate in Folkestone.

Lord Radnor donated the site to the Folkestone Sport Centre Trust for recreational use only, and the facility was opened by Princess Anne in 1972.

Over the years the property and business has evolved, adding on a wellness centre in 1986.

The business had been operating on both a regular user and membership basis as well as for pay-and-play visitors, offering a range of indoor and outdoor leisure facilities.

These include two swimming pools, a health and fitness suite, an indoor sports hall, three squash courts, spin and aerobics studios, a health and beauty facility and a café/bar.

Outside are three outdoor tennis courts, an archery area, ‘dry’ ski slope, nine-hole footgolf course and a SkyWalk high ropes course, which was one of the most recent developments, opening in spring 2021.

A petition calling on FHDC to “save” the centre, was set up shortly after the announcement was made .

It has since gained more than 8,300 signatures.