The Stour Centre in Ashford, Kent has reopened to the public following a £14.6m redevelopment.

The centre, which was originally built in the 1970s, has been completely redesigned by Holder Mathias architects and new facilities include three new swimming pools and a luxury spa.

There will also be a new 100-station health and fitness club, with equipment provided by Technogym.

The centre’s leisure pool also boasts two flumes and a raging river.

The Stour Centre will be managed by the Ashford Leisure Trust, which is also responsible for running the Julie Rose Stadium and Kingsnorth Recreation Centre in the town.

Mark Carty, Ashford Borough Council’s head of cultural services, said: "It’s a centre that rivals the best private facilities in the country, built for the people of Ashford and our visitors to enjoy. You will not find a better-looking leisure centre anywhere.”

The centre has been designed to have a small carbon footprint, with a range of eco-friendly features such as exercise machines creating their own power.

Ashford is one of the fastest growing town’s in the region and is set to benefit from the launch of high-speed domestic rail services to London in 2009, due to its location on the Eurostar line.