Tenterden Leisure Centre, operated by not-for-profit leisure trust Freedom Leisure as an agent of Ashford Borough Council, is thrilled to announce a major refurbishment project, set to take place from October 2025 through to February 2026.
This exciting multi-million-pound initiative, jointly funded by the council and Freedom Leisure, will modernise the centre, enhance the customer experience and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the local community for years to come.
The leisure centre has been firmly established in the area as a health, wellbeing and family entertainment centre however, this refurbishment will provide the community and visitors to Tenterden with an improved leisure facility with major additions including a brand-new interactive soft-play centre and new water-play features in their very popular leisure pool.
These upgrades represent a significant investment in the centre and the community. Along with the council, we are committed to providing a welcoming, modern and enjoyable environment for everyone who visits Tenterden Leisure Centre. The new and exciting additions to the centre will make it the ‘go-to’ destination for family fun, fitness and general wellbeing. We can’t wait to get started and open our doors to a new and improved Tenterden Leisure Centre.
Chris Ashley
The project will bring a host of other improvements including a new café with additional seating for visitors, modernised toilet and changing facilities and refurbished exercise class and indoor cycling studios.
We are pleased to be investing in the future of Tenterden Leisure Centre alongside Freedom Leisure. This refurbishment is about much more than updating facilities, it’s about ensuring that people of all ages in our community have access to high-quality, modern spaces to enjoy fitness, wellbeing and family activities. The new additions, from the water play features to the interactive soft play, will make the centre a vibrant hub for both residents and visitors, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have for years to come.
Councillor Steve Campkin
The refurbishment is expected to be completed in February 2026, culminating in a full reopening of the centre with all upgraded facilities available. During this period, there may be some temporary closures of our facilities in certain areas. We will keep you fully updated every step of the way.
Take a look at what's coming soon!
Refurbishment FAQs
The refurbishment will modernise our facilities, improve customer experience, and ensure the centre continues to meet the needs of the community for years to come.
- Construction starts on site in October 2025
- Refurbishment will be completed in phases, finishing with a full reopening in February 2026
No, the centre will remain partially open throughout. Works are planned in phases so that some facilities are available while others are upgraded.
- Phase 1 (Oct–Dec 2025): Sports Hall, Café, Studio 1, Gym, Spin Studio, Dry Toilets
- Phase 2 (Dec 2025–Jan 2026): Dry Changing Rooms & Reception
- Phase 3 (Jan 2026): Family Wet Changing Rooms
- Phase 4 (Jan–Feb 2026): Unisex Wet Changing Rooms
We will provide regular updates at reception, via our app, on our website, and through social media. Clear signage will be placed around the centre to direct you to available facilities.
Your membership will remain valid throughout. Alternative arrangements will be provided where facilities are temporarily closed and we’re also pleased to offer access to the Stour Centre and Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford.
Some noise and disruption are unavoidable, but works have been planned carefully to minimise the impact on our customers.
- A brand-new soft play area with an interactive play tag system
- A new look café area with additional seating
- Updated toilet facilities
- Updated dry change facilities
- A refreshed studio 1 with new flooring and mirrors
- A full refurbishment of the spin studio which includes redecoration, new lighting and air handling
- New interactive pool water features
- Updated pool changing facilities which will become unisex
- An updated reception along with state-of-the-art access control
- New gym entrance and improvements