A Leeds leisure centre is looking in great shape for the future following a major overhaul of its gym.
Rothwell Leisure Centre’s gym has been completely refurbished, with new flooring, decor and branding being put in place.
Leeds City Council has also invested in new state-of-the-art equipment for the facility, including the latest cardiovascular and resistance machines.
Other improvements include a new free-weights area and an enhanced space for gym-based fitness classes.
And centre staff say the reaction from users has been hugely positive since the gym reopened following its three-week transformation process.
The revamp complements other recent changes at Rothwell, most notably a full refurbishment of its large and small swimming pools.
This work saw the pools relined and poolside areas resurfaced, with extensive redecoration also being carried out and LED lighting installed.
It is hoped the improvements to both the gym and the pools will attract a significant number of new members, which will in turn help to sustain these vital health and wellbeing facilities by generating important income for the council.
Similar work last summer at council leisure centres in Armley, Morley and Wetherby was followed by an increase in gym usage at those three sites.
Next in line for a facelift is Guiseley’s Aireborough Leisure Centre, where work is due to start in August on the delivery of an enhanced gym and activity hall as well as the reroofing of part of the building.
The council’s investment in the centres supports its wider efforts to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to lead active and healthy lives.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We’re determined to deliver the kind of top-quality sports and fitness facilities that give people in Leeds the means and motivation to keep active.
“The impressive changes at Rothwell Leisure Centre are a great example of the city-wide work the council is doing to achieve that aim.
“By improving customer experience and satisfaction, it is our hope that usage of the centre will increase and the health of the local population will benefit as a result.
“From speaking to staff at the centre, I know the refurbishment of the gym was meticulously planned and every effort made to ensure the new equipment meets the needs of the community.
“It’s really pleasing that there has been such a positive response since the gym reopened, and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in the weeks and months to come.”
Other recent boosts for Leeds’s health and fitness offer include the approval of plans for a new wellbeing hub to replace the ageing Fearnville Leisure Centre in Gipton.
Work is also expected to start next year on a project that will see land in Holbeck – once occupied by Matthew Murray High School – becoming home to three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a two-storey building with facilities such as changing rooms and a cafe.
