With the fate of the Folkestone Sports Centre in the balance the district council has said it is collaborating with administrators and the landowner, the Radnor Estate, to determine the next course of action.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council said that in a regrettable turn of events, the charitable trust responsible for operating Folkestone Sports Centre has made the difficult decision to close its doors and seek assistance from administrators.
The independently owned facility, like many leisure operators nationwide, grappled with significant financial challenges exacerbated by the aftermath of the pandemic and rising utility costs.
The local council has been a longstanding supporter of the trust. In December 2022, council members approved a three-year annual grant of £150,000 to sustain sports and leisure activities for the community. but despite this support, mounting financial pressures forced the centre’s closure, leaving staff uncertain about their employment prospects.
Council representatives are stepping in to offer welfare advice and connect affected individuals with relevant sources of assistance.
Residents, particularly those looking forward to summer activities, are disappointed by the closure and as an alternative, a list of other sports and leisure facilities within the district is available on the council’s Physical Health and Wellbeing page.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council is in touch with administrators and the landowner, the Radnor Estate, to determine the next course of action. The fate of Folkestone Sports Centre hangs in the balance as stakeholders weigh their options.