Freedom Leisure awarded new leisure centre contract in Kent

Ashford Borough Council has appointed Freedom Leisure to manage Tenterden Leisure Centre through to 2035.

Max Associates was commissioned to support and advise the Council through the procurement process to secure a new operator for Tenterden Leisure Centre.

Lisa Forsyth, Managing Director of Max Associates said: “We were delighted to work with the Council to provide support and advice to secure a contract the Council was pleased with and met their key criteria.

This new 10-year agreement includes a £2.6 million investment from both Ashford Borough Council and Freedom Leisure to refurbish the leisure centre.”

Tenterden Leisure Centre will become the fourth facility in the borough under Freedom Leisure’s management, joining Ashford’s Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium, and Spearpoint Pavilion.

The planned upgrades will feature a new soft play area, enhanced water features in the pools, a revamped reception and catering space, and a complete overhaul of the pool changing facilities. Additionally, gym equipment and the group exercise studio will also be upgraded.

Councillor Kate Walder added: “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.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Freedom Leisure CEO, said: “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.”

Find out more here.