Folkestone Sports Centre in Kent has been officially reopened by former Olympic gold medallist Colin Jackson, following the completion of a £1.5m refurbishment programme.

Alliance Leisure supported venue operator Folkestone Sports Centre Trust (FSCT) with the overhaul, which was funded with loans from Charity Bank and Big Issue Invest. London-based Cosmur Construction delivered the renovation, which included the creation of a new gym, a new café and bar area and a viewing gallery overlooking the swimming pools.

The centre's roof, pool plant, internal reception and foyer area were also upgraded as part of the scheme, which aims to help rejuvenate Folkestone Sports Centre. As part of the work, the gym has moved from a side building to the main building and has doubled in size to provide a 300sq m (3,229sq ft), 65-station fitness area.

Physique - part of the PTE group - supplied the gym with 12 Roc-It resistance machines; 25 Life Fitness cv stations; two Expresso bikes; three Concept 2 rowers; a Versaclimber and a refurbished Impulse Dual Adjustable Pulley. Meanwhile, the centre's toning studio has been relocated to the original gym area and now includes six more Powertone beds alongside the nine existing Easytone chairs.

An additional treatment room has also been added to extend the range of therapies on offer, such as hot stone massage; bamboo massage and facials. FSCT general manager Tessa Stickler said: "The ethos of the Trust is that we provide affordable sports facilities for the community and the fact that we now have a modern gym doesn't change that in any way."

Alliance Leisure business development manager Stephen Parker added: "Alliance will continue to support the Folkestone Sports Centre Trust by assisting with marketing, training and sales support in order that the new facilities can provide ongoing income that will enable further refurbishment work to be carried out in the future." Image: Colin Jackson at the new-look Folkeston Sports Centre - Dan Sabatier, Sabasa Media