Work on a multi-million pound urban sports centre has re-started today.

Construction on F51, the four-storey skate park being built in Folkestone, halted on March 25 due to the coronavirus crisis.

But from today, builders have returned to the site and kick started the ambitious project, which has been in the pipeline since 2015.

The one-of-a-kind centre, on the corner of Tontine Street and Dover Road, will include skating facilities, a boxing gym, function room and café once finished.

Its completion has been delayed several times due to its complex design, escalating costs and issues with cladding, and previously bosses estimated a summer 2020 opening.

But the Covid-19 outbreak has now caused further delays.

Main contractor Jenner Group, based in Folkestone, say they made the "proactive and pre-emptive decision to temporarily cease all construction activity in response to the escalating Covid-19 pandemic" following government advice on social distancing.

Ella Brocklebank, business development manager for the company, said: "F51 was one of those sites to immediately cease operation and temporarily close its doors to all workers in full accordance with government lock-down measures.

"Due consideration was given to which sites, if any, could remain open but as a reputable business and responsible local employer Jenner wanted to send a clear message to the wider industry that safety was of absolute priority and all sites would close to keep everyone safe and minimise the potential further spread of infection.

"Throughout the period of self-imposed closure the Jenner team have worked in accordance with advice and guidance from the Construction Leadership Council to ensure all sites would be fully prepared for a safe and confident return to construction, which was on May 4 for F51.

"Reopening any sooner could have put the health of our workers at risk due to the close proximity of trades required at the current stage of the project without the right social distancing guidance in place, and would have proven to be both incredibly difficult and unproductive due to the closure of many subcontractors and building merchants within the project supply chain."

The project is being funded and developed by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust as part of a wave of regeneration plans for the town.

It will ultimately be managed by the Shepway Sports Trust.

But the trust says they are currently unable to announce a new opening date.

A spokesman said: "We'd also like to assure you that we are still working behind the scenes to ensure that the park is not hindered further than it needs to be by the inevitable knock-on effects and delays that have understandably accompanied a global pandemic.

"Please do bear with us throughout such an unusual period and rest assured that we are not going anywhere.

"We are doing all that we can to get back on track. We will get there as soon as possible."

The unique centre will dedicate two floors to skating, and will include suspended skating bowls and huge expanses of exposed concrete.

It will also be home to climbing and bouldering areas, a reception, cafe, boxing area, shower and changing facilities.

It has received celebrity endorsements over the years from American rapper MC Hammer and pro-skater Bam Margera.

Martin Sandall, managing director of Jenner Group, added: "Jenner firmly believe the time is now right to begin a phased safe return to construction, to fulfil contractual commitments to our valued clients and benefit both society and the economy by keeping flagship community projects such as F51 moving forwards towards completion.

"We remain resolute that we made the right call at the right time but we must now refocus, regain momentum and get back to building."

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