Julie Rose Stadium Refurbishment Complete

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.

The iconic venue now boasts 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.

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.”