An abandoned sports centre is set to partially reopen next year - but bosses have warned they still need to find more funding.

Folkestone Sports Centre closed suddenly last summer, resulting in 144 job losses and sparking sadness across the town.

The Sports Trust, backed by former Saga boss Sir Roger De Haan, took over the site earlier this year, but there has been a question mark over when the facility will reopen.

Bosses now say they plan to reopen the swimming pool in “summer 2026”, with “key improvements” planned for that section of the centre.

They say they are “continuing to explore options for all other sports provision within the centre”, which previously included a ski slope and sport courts.

But the trust stresses that reopening the swimming pool next year “will be subject to the successful securing of additional funding”.

In a statement released today, bosses asked residents to be patient while their plans develop.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust and Folkestone and Hythe District Council for their support and shared vision in bringing this facility back to life,” a spokesman said.

“Their backing has been imperative for The Sports Trust to take on a project of this scale.

“We are working diligently on the wider project and will continue to keep the public informed as progress and decisions are made.

“The interest, encouragement, and kind words from the community have been deeply appreciated.

“This is a collective effort, and we thank everyone who has contributed so far and continues to offer help and support.”

Since taking ownership of the site in May, the trust said it has “undertaken a full programme of surveys and preliminary works”.

It added: “Initiating the swimming pool works has been supported by Sport England and the Swimming Pool Fund who have provided initial some funding for upgrading the pumps and pool infrastructure, as a result the work is now underway.

“The plans to reopen the swimming facilities in summer 2026 will be subject to the successful securing of the additional funding needed to deliver all the necessary works.

“While the pool is our priority, we continue to explore options for all other sports provision within the centre, and they ask for the community’s patience as these plans develop.“

The centre, which opened in 1972, was forced to close in July 2024 after the previous charity running it - Folkestone Sports Centre Trust - said it could no longer afford to continue.

The Sports Trust already operates the F51 skatepark, Three Hills Sports Park and Folkestone Sea Sports Centre.