The sudden closure of one of Kent's most popular leisure centres has sent shockwaves through Folkestone, leaving staff members and residents heartbroken.

Here, reporter Ollie Leonard looks into the history of the much-loved site, which users say offered something for everyone.

For more than 50 years, Folkestone Sports Centre has been a go-to facility for so many in the area.

Its story dates back to 1967 when a group of businessmen had an idea to create an affordable sports facility for the whole community.

The charitable trust which ran the site up until last week was founded, and fundraising began.

Residents and sponsors collected £153,000 towards building the facility, which was constructed on land donated by Lord Radnor.

Then, in July 1972, the building was given the royal seal of approval when it was opened by Princess Anne.

Tessa Stickler, who worked at the centre for 27 years before its closure resulted in 144 job losses last Tuesday, says the foundations of the Radnor Park Avenue site “have basically remained the same”.

In its current guise, it features a huge variety of facilities including a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, cafe and even ski and toboggan slopes.

Ms Stickler said: “As a teenager I went there, then my children went there, and now my grandchildren. And that's the same for so many families in the town.

“It was almost the same 50 years ago as we've got now, apart from the gym. There was no such thing as a gym in those days.

“Over the years we became a much more inclusive centre. In 2012 we put in a disabled passenger lift, a sensory room and hoists.

“It became much more than a sports centre. It was much more about health and wellbeing.

“GPs referred patients to us so that we could support people in their rehabilitation. Where's that going to be done now?”

In 2010, the centre, which sits on land still owned by the Radnor Estate, enjoyed a £1.25m upgrade as part of plans to modernise the building.

The new-look facility was unveiled by former champion athlete Colin Jackson, with improvements including a new roof and cafe.

Ten years later, part of the centre’s golf course in Cornwallis Avenue was sold off in return for 12 homes.

Bosses at Folkestone Sports Centre Trust used the cash generated from the sale to build a new aerial assault course and revamp the ski slope, which was opened by famous ski jumper Eddie the Eagle.

But Ms Stickler, the former manager of the centre, says the site had been struggling with rising utility bills.

“This place has changed people’s lives, there is no doubt about that,” she added.

“I’m so proud of the way the centre has grown over the last 50 years.

"This place turned my life around and I know it's the same for many other residents.

“This is why it's so devastating. Unless an investor comes in and helps us we will be gone for good.”

Adrian Dante and Charles Turner, of Opus Restructuring and Insolvency, were appointed as joint administrators of Folkestone Sports Centre Trust on August 1.

They say they will assist staff with claiming redundancy payments, but admit it is not known at this time whether a buyer can be found to reopen the centre.

Mr Dante said: “It’s a tragedy a leisure facility that has served its local community so well for over 50 years has been forced to close by the negative impacts of the cost-of-living crisis on its revenues and rampant inflation on its costs, which have combined to prevent it from investing in the modernisation and improved facilities required for it to compete effectively with rival facilities.”

When asked whether it would consider taking over the site, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) said it is “waiting to speak with the freeholder and the administrator before making any decisions”.

KentOnline also approached the Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company (FHSDC), led by former Saga boss Sir Roger De Haan, but is yet to receive a response.

Council documents show the land was gifted to Folkestone Sports Centre Trust with a number of covenants, namely that it is used for recreational purposes only.

Opus said the planning rules “are not changing” when asked this week.

“We are in the very early stages of the administration, obtaining and verifying information and exploring all the options that are available,” it added.

On Monday night, “devastated” members of Folkestone Swimming Club met at Three Hills Sports Park in a show of "positivity and hope" as the closure has left them without a venue.

The committee says the entire group has been impacted and says it will do "all it can to make sure the club survives".

Bosses are encouraging people to sign a petition calling on FHDC to “save” the centre, which has so far attracted more than 6,600 signatures.

Philip Morford, who has lived in Folkestone his entire life, was a member of the centre for 50 years.

The 59-year-old says he has been left “gutted” by the closure.

“One of my best days there was in 1977 with two of my friends," he said.

“I learnt to play table tennis at the sports centre on that day and ended up playing for Kent.

“I’ve also played lots of badminton and used the gym on and off for about 30 years.

“An annual membership now is only about £300. It was so cheap for all that it had to offer.

“I’ve tried many other gyms in the town and nothing has ever come close to this. It's such a huge loss and I really feel for all of the staff. I can’t believe it’s gone.”

Green-led FHDC says staff who lost their jobs are invited to a drop-in support event at the authority’s Civic Centre in Castle Hill Avenue on Friday (August 9).

The event will be open from 10am until 1pm.

A spokesman said: “Staff will be able to talk to members of the council’s welfare team and guidance given around sources of assistance if they are required.

“In addition, there will be advice on training opportunities, applying for jobs and support offered around interview skills.

“Staff from the Department of Work and Pensions and East Kent College are also due to attend the event to give advice.”

Council leader, Cllr Jim Martin (Green), added: “We know that many of those working at the centre have been left in extremely difficult positions financially and naturally they are very worried about the future.

“We hope that Friday’s event will bring together those who can help both in the short-term and the long-term and bring some hope for the sports centre staff.”