Leisure centre

More than 60 invited guests, including the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr Jean Butcher, celebrated the official opening of Kingsmead Pools & Fitness in Canterbury, following a major transformation to bring a first-class health and wellbeing centre to the heart of the historic city.

The event coincided with a community open day, which saw the centre packed with people enjoying a variety of free taster sessions including soft play, gym access and fitness classes.

Thanks to an £8 million investment by charity Active Life, the centre now boasts a brand-new gym, fitness studios, health suite, changing facilities throughout, an improved swimming pool and a new sports hall.

Work began at the centre in March last year and it has undergone a significant transformation over the past 18 months to bring new premium facilities for all ages and abilities, with a strong emphasis on accessibility improvements and sustainability.

Speaking at the event, Anthony Cawley, Chief Executive of Active Life, said: “We have invested £8 million in transforming the centre, and it is unrecognisable compared to what it was before.

“As a charity we always ask ourselves how we can best benefit the communities we serve and that’s what’s driven this project from the start, working closely with Canterbury City Council to do that.”

Unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion, Cllr Butcher said: “Canterbury’s most long-standing leisure facility has been reborn, setting the standard for modern leisure facilities.” www.activelifeltd.co.uk for just £151 per participant, thanks to CITB funding

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