We are now counting down the days until the Canterbury community can take advantage of our £8million investment that will boast a brand-new gym, fantastic fitness studios, an extensively improved swimming pool, a bigger and better sports hall, modern changing rooms and a new café at Kingsmead Pools & Fitness.
Work began in March last year and the centre has been transformed over the last 18 months.
Anthony Cawley, Chief Executive of registered charity Active Life, said: “We’re very proud and delighted to be able to deliver this project which has created a first-class health and wellbeing centre that will set new standards for facilities, access and sustainability in the heart of the historic city, working in partnership with Canterbury City Council.
“The centre is unrecognisable and we’re delighted the much-anticipated big reveal is a matter of weeks away.
“I’d like to extend thanks to our customers for their loyalty and understanding through the project. Whether you are a seasoned leisure centre user, just starting out on your wellbeing journey or simply bringing your children to a swimming lesson, we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Kingsmead, to be part of our inclusive community.”
We currently have a period of ‘soft opening’ for existing members/casual member for some activities.
Swimming lessons start on Monday 30th September and an official opening will take place on Friday 11 October for invited guests. The centre offers parking directly outside.
Cllr Connie Nolan, Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Safety and Enforcement, said: “We all know how important exercise is to everyone’s physical and mental health and we hope these fantastic facilities will attract both the seasoned fitness fanatic and those who want a gentler way to get active again.
“I have no doubt that following its refit, Kingsmead Pools & Fitness will once again become a community hub enjoyed by all.”
The transformation provided the opportunity to install measures to minimise the centre’s impact on the environment, reducing energy use at the complex by around a quarter to make it one of the most energy efficient in the region.
A grant awarded to Canterbury City Council by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme enabled measures including air source heat pumps to replace gas boilers and provide underfloor heating for the wet changing area. Energy efficient ventilation systems will keep areas like the gym and studios cool. There is now highly energy efficient LED lighting throughout the building, 18 solar panels and electric vehicle charging points in the car park.
Cllr Mel Dawkins, Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: “Helping people get to get fit in state-of-the-art surroundings while using the latest technology to limit the effects on the environment must be a win-win situation.
“By their very nature, leisure centres use up a lot of energy so it was vital to bring Kingsmead Pools & Fitness up to a high standard as part of our work to tackle the climate emergency in the district and to reach the council’s goal of making its buildings net zero by 2030.”
A range of membership options are available, designed to suit all needs and lifestyles, with access to the gym, swimming pool, or a combination of both. Memberships offer access to different facilities, including racquet sports and specialised fitness classes, ensuring there’s something for everyone at an affordable price.
