Freedom Leisure awarded new leisure centre contract in Kent

Freedom Leisure, one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit leisure trusts that operates over 130 leisure and cultural facilities across England and Wales, has been chosen by Ashford Borough Council to manage Tenterden Leisure Centre until 2035.

The leisure trust has been operating the leisure centre on an interim basis on behalf of Ashford Borough Council and has now secured a new long-term contract from April 2025. Tenterden will be the fourth leisure facility in the borough managed by Freedom Leisure along with Ashford’s Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and Spearpoint Pavilion.

The new arrangement will see significant investment into the centre from both Ashford Borough Council and Freedom Leisure amounting to £2.6 million. Planned improvements include the introduction of a new soft play area, new and improved water features in the pools, a new reception and catering area and a complete modernisation of the pool changing facilities.

Users of this very popular leisure centre will also benefit from new equipment in the gym and an upgraded group exercise studio.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure CEO commented on securing the long-term arrangement by saying; “We’re delighted to have been awarded the management contract by Ashford Borough Council for an initial 10-year term. Since we have been managing the leisure centre on an interim basis, we have seen an increase in footfall across all areas of the facility and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from the community on the improvements we’ve made to date and continue to do so.

“Between the council and ourselves, we have committed to a significant investment throughout the life of the contract to better the facilities and we look forward to further improving the lives of the people of Tenterden through leisure.”

Cllr Kate Walder, Portfolio Holder for Recreation at Ashford Borough Council, said: “Tenterden Leisure Centre is an important community facility providing sporting and physical activity opportunities to residents and visitors to Tenterden and the surrounding area.

“That’s why we have spent time procuring a new leisure operator to provide first-rate facilities for our residents. We are looking forward to working with Freedom Leisure to continue to evolve and improve our leisure offering to help our residents have healthy active lifestyles.”