Photo: ABC
The Julie Rose Stadium has re-opened with a brand new athletics track, a new running chute and indoor throwing cage, as well as an expanded gym and exercise studio – transforming the facilities on offer after a £1 million investment.
Freedom Leisure and Ashford Borough Council worked on plans to re-surface the outdoor athletics track at the stadium, which was built in 1997.
This follows on from the complete refurbishment and opening of the new gym and exercise studio last year, and is further evidence of the great partnership between the Council and the not-for-profit leisure trust to improve the health, wellbeing and sporting facilities for the people of Ashford and the surrounding area.
The Julie Rose Stadium was officially opened on Friday 17 February by the Deputy Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Larry Krause in front of Ashford MP Damian Green and representatives from Ashford Borough Council and Freedom Leisure.
Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Property and Recreation, said: “The investments made are testament to the commitment the Council gives to its leisure facilities across the borough, not only here at the Julie Rose Stadium, but also at the Stour Centre, Spearpoint Pavilion, Waterside, and Tenterden Leisure Centre.
“It highlights the importance that health and fitness play in the wellbeing of our residents, and the recognition that every pound we invest in these front-line facilities, has the potential to save many more in reactive healthcare down the line. I really look forward to seeing people enjoying these facilities over the coming years.”
Nestling beneath the beautiful North Downs with stunning views along the Stour Valley and across Conningbrook Lakes, Julie Rose Stadium makes a dramatic backdrop for a wide range of events from world-class athletics to triathlons.
It has some of the top health and fitness facilities in Ashford alongside the recently refurbished Stour Centre, which has since seen a dramatic uplift in customers.
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The stadium is regarded as one of the finest athletics facilities in the south-east and the improvements will make it one of the best in the country. It is home to Ashford Athletic Club, who use the track for regular training and events and competitions throughout the year.
The Julie Rose Stadium, Stour Leisure Centre and Spearpoint Pavilion are managed on the Council’s behalf by Freedom Leisure Trust.
Tom Price, Area Manager Ashford & Kent from Freedom Leisure said: “We have really enjoyed watching the transformation of the old track into the new and are all really excited to see people using the track again and re-establishing ourselves as the heart of Athletics in Ashford and the wider area.
“We already have some key big events booked in and look forward to continuing to work with Ashford Borough Council and Ashford Athletics Club to make Julie Rose the place to hold events”