A refurbishment project, worth a total of more than £1.1million, is underway to transform three leisure centres in the North Hertfordshire district.
North Herts Leisure Centre, Royston Leisure Centre and Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre will undergo major works in the coming months which will include a gym refurbishment and the addition of state-of-the-art studios.
Everyone Active, North Herts Council’s new leisure operator, has announced that the project will unfold in planned stages which have been funded from a combined Everyone Active and North Herts Council capital fund.
The leading operator stated that all improvements are set for completion by early September, culminating in a series of free, celebratory open events to unveil the changes to the public.
The £750,000 major refurbishment at North Herts Leisure Centre began with structural changes to the gym area, repurposing an old office and storage area to create additional gym space.
The refurbished gym will see the introduction of cutting-edge Life Fitness cardio equipment including arc trainers, cross trainers, rowers and treadmills, as well as a host of advanced resistance equipment including a dual pulley, lat pulldown, chest, shoulder and leg presses, a half rack and a smith machine.
The new strength training facilities will make up 58 per cent of the gym’s improved equipment - an increase of 19 per cent - to cater for the ever-growing demand for weight training amongst all age groups.
Brand-new free weights, benches, dumbbells and squat racks will also be added to the extended space, which will be refurbished to achieve a new look and feel, providing members with a modern and inviting space to achieve their fitness goals.
Towards the end of July, work will begin at Royston Leisure Centre to improve the existing cycling studio and gym changing rooms.
Doubling the size of the existing cycling studio along with its number of bikes, the project will introduce brand-new Keiser bikes, innovative audio-visual equipment and an inspiring new look and feel.
In addition, North Herts Council will be investing £116,000 in improvements to the gym changing rooms, which will consist of a fresh and new look to the showers, cubicles, tiling and vanity areas.
Meanwhile, works at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre include the refurbishment of two studios and the introduction of a brand-new spin studio, complete with 21 Kieser bikes and audio-visual dynamics.
The project will also see the unveiling of Everyone Active’s first Reformer Studio.
A revolutionary concept conjured by Reformer Pilates, the studio space will replace basic mats with Reformer machines, using moving platforms, adjustable resistance, and the added challenge of straps, boxes, balls, gondola poles, resistance bands and hand weights for dynamic exercises to transform visitor’s mind, muscles, and flexibility.
Mark Leahy, Regional Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said, "We are thrilled to be commencing work at three of North Hertfordshire’s centres, which act as community cornerstones in the area.
“The improvements mark a significant step forward for the district’s leisure facilities, and we hope that the transformations will create even more opportunities for locals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to commence or continue their fitness and wellness journey with us.
“We thank our members for their patience during this period of transition and are excited to come together to celebrate the completed projects very soon when we hope the local community will take full advantage of the improved facilities to benefit their physical and mental health.”
Cllr Mick Debenham – Executive Member for Environment, Leisure & Green Spaces at North Herts Council, said: "It’s fantastic news that the leisure centres across the district are getting significant upgrades. This £1.1 million project shows our dedication to providing top class leisure facilities for our residents. The improvements at North Herts Leisure Centre, Royston Leisure Centre, and Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre will make these spaces even better for everyone.
“We can’t wait to share the new and improved facilities with you and invite everyone to join us for the celebration events once the work is done."
The gym equipment within North Herts Leisure Centre has been relocated to another area in the centre for continued use, while classes hosted in the studio will be relocated within the centre.
North Herts Leisure Centre members will also have use of all other Everyone Active centres until 31st August 2024.
At Royston Leisure Centre, the gym changing facilities will close during the works and instead members will be able to use the swimming pool changing facilities, whilst at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, studio classes will be relocated to other areas of the centre.
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