A leisure centre has officially closed following a “challenging summer”.

Bosses at Margate Leisure Centre (MLC) in Edgar Road shared the sudden news on their Facebook page.

They said they are proud of what they created, but were left with no choice but to shut their doors for good. It also means Black Axe Throwing, which is inside the centre, is also closing.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closure of MLC and Black Axe Throwing,” the statement posted yesterday evening began.

“Following a challenging summer we have no option but to close our doors today (Sunday, September 29), for the very last time.

“To everyone who came along to throw things, either round or sharp, THANK YOU, we had the most wonderful time teaching you.”

The centre opened in 2022 and started as a pop-up entertainment venue four years prior in Edinburgh.

Inside it has an event space, Klak Boule Bar, Black Axe Throwing, Slice Pizza, a Hammerschlagen game space and also offers DJ events and workshops.

“We’d like to thank all of the amazing people who have worked with us over the last few years,” the statement continued.

“You helped bring our venue to life in ways we never thought possible, you are all brilliant (big shout out to POW who hosted a superb event while we were still half a building site!). And to all our amazing staff, both past and present, you were everything and made this place what it was.

“Our axey journey started out as a five-day pop-up in 2018, in a very, very cold warehouse in Edinburgh.

“After warming up, a lot of hard work, a pandemic, and some more hard work we somehow ended up with a little axey empire. We are incredibly proud of what we achieved, but it’s now time for us to say goodbye.

“For anyone with sessions booked with us, we will be in touch with you this week.

“Margate we love you and thanks for having us.”

In 2022, KentOnline reviewer Chris Britcher gave the venue a gleaming review for its food and drink.

He said: “They should all be proud of themselves. Because what they have achieved here is dropping something different into an area which needs just this sort of venture to pull people back into Cliftonville.

“Its focus on locally sourced food and drink is to be applauded too.

“As we stroll back along towards Margate, we pop into a nearby pub and come to the conclusion that we're coming back to this neck of the woods for a night out again.

“Try it for yourself.”