The multi-million-pound leisure centre improvement project delivered by South Ribble Borough Council is moving at pace, with Leyland Leisure Centre reaching a significant milestone.
The newly refurbished gym reopened on 11 July with the pool re-opening to swimmers on 19 July.
The gym has seen a full upgrade with all machines refurbished and new machines added. A sustainable approach was taken, to refurbish tired machines and those in need of repair, while still providing a new experience for gym-goers.
The tiles to the pool surround have been replaced along with the changing room entrance wall and the existing glazed curtain walling has been replaced along with poolside viewing area windows with thermally efficient heat reflective glazing. The pool cover is being replaced in the coming weeks, and the mounting mechanism has been overhauled to ensure smooth operation and use. These measures will support the centres energy efficiency measures through active heat loss prevention.
Councillor Clare Hunter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Wellbeing said, “To see the centre’s refurbishment coming together is brilliant. We made a promise very early on that where other councils are investing less in their leisure provisions – some closing centres altogether – we would do the opposite and invest.
“Investing in our leisure centres allow for our community to have quality and affordable spaces where they can get fit, have fun and live well.
“I’m so pleased that we have the refurbished gym and pool now reopen for people to enjoy!”
Elsewhere across the centre, dry side changing rooms have been fully refurbished and innovative Les Mills virtual class technology has been installed.
Pool changing is currently being refurbished and extended and should be complete soon. The reception area is also being modernised with a new desk, floor, and windows.
The leisure improvement project in South Ribble is significant. Since 2023 the council has been investing heavily in the centres starting with a full decarbonisation programme which has seen a raft of measures put in place to ensure the centres can be fit for the future and energy efficient.
Councillor Hunter continued, “As with large projects like this, not all work you can see and much of our decarbonisation measures are behind the scenes. I can assure everyone that we are well on our way with our ambitious plans.
“All of our centres will very soon be refurbished, modern and energy efficient, providing fantastic facilities for all.”
All information about the works can be found at www.southribbleleisure.com and you can keep up to date with progress across the centre’s social media channels.