New fitness facilities at Julie Rose Stadium now available

Following the opening of The Stour Centre Gym in June this year it is now Julie Rose Stadium's turn to get a fabulous new makeover all thanks to the continuing investment in the local leisure facilities by Ashford Borough Council.

The new gym will occupy the previously named Colin Jackson suite that was traditionally used for meetings and small group exercise classes but the space has undergone a huge facelift with new flooring, redecoration and a whole new look and feel with still those jaw dropping views over the athletics track.

The new gym space is packed with all the latest gym equipment supplied by world renowned equipment manufacturer Technogym which is the same equipment that has recently been installed at the nearby Stour Centre to some acclaim. There will be new treadmills, rowers and cross training equipment as well as functional training equipment and a whole selection of free-weights.

Emma Wood, Freedom Leisure’s Area Manager in Ashford commented; “I feel very privileged to have seen the transformation at The Stour Centre and it is fitting now that Julie Rose Stadium is seeing the benefit of the council’s investment.

Emma added; “The stadium is well loved by all the community but we now want to make it a fitness hub and destination for local residents in the east of Ashford.”

Keeping Ashford active

Cllr Matthew Forest, portfolio holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure at Ashford Borough Council, said: “I’m pleased to see the facilities at this wonderful venue improved, and look forward to seeing users, new and old, using them. The Council and Freedom Leisure are investing heavily in improving the facilities on offer at the Julie Rose Stadium, to match those recently introduced at the Stour Leisure Centre.

“As the borough continues to grow, we feel passionately that our leisure offer must evolve to meet demand and ensure Ashford remains active. This is even more important given the effects of the pandemic, which is why we are investing significantly in leisure provision across the borough. In addition to Julie Rose Stadium and Stour Centre, we have also improved the facilities at Spearpoint Pavilion in Kennington, Waterside in Willesborough and Pitchside in south Ashford.”

The gym is well staffed by fitness experts who are on hand for helpful hints and tips on how to use the new equipment and get the most out of your workout. Along with the new gym there will be a Group Exercise Studio which will be called The Colin Jackson Studio which will have a full programme of group classes that we know everyone enjoys including our very popular 'Active For Life' sessions.

As an added bonus, visitors to the Stadium can sample a selection of hot and cold drinks from the new coffee counter that doubles as a reception desk so users can relax, socialise and wind down after their visit with friends and family.

Along with the opening of these fabulous new fitness facilities at the stadium, Freedom Leisure and Ashford Borough Council are working on plans to re-surface the outdoor athletics track and it is hoped that works can begin in March 2022. More information on this very exciting project will be available soon as the significant investment in the borough’s sport and leisure facilities by the council continues.