IT HELPS people get fit, and now it’s fit for purpose.
Improvement works at South Reading leisure Centre have been completed, including a new gym, changing room refurbishments, new air conditioning and a new reception.
Part of a £40 million investment in modern leisure facilities by Reading Borough Council, the overall project includes new pools and facilities at Rivermead and Palmer Park.
South Reading’s makeover began in November and the council says the project was completed on time.
New gym equipment includes total resistance exercise (TRX) training; functional training space; core bags and battle ropes; refurbished equipment including a Dual Adjustable Pulley (DAP) and bench press.
Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for sport, was thrilled with the makeover.
“The improvements to the gym, studio, changing rooms and reception at South Reading are looking great and will make a big difference for the centre’s users,” he said.
“It is exciting times to see these improvements and the building of our new pools and leisure centre progressing. This continues to provide residents with tangible evidence of our commitment to delivering the new facilities.”
He continued: “Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past year, the Council and our leisure partners, GLL, remain fully committed to delivering the modern leisure facilities a town of our size and status deserves.
“As well as the improved facilities across all leisure sites being delivered over the next 18 months, there will also be a drive to increase activity, health and wellbeing across the borough, with weight management courses, cardiac and cancer rehabilitation and targeted work in the community to reach those in most need and work towards reducing health inequalities.”
And Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading, said that the investment in the Northumberland Avenue facility was great news.
“The benefits these updated facilities will offer the local community are invaluable,” he explained.
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.
“Reading’s new and upgraded leisure provision will offer an inviting and welcoming environment, for all local residents to enjoy, in addition to enabling us to provide dedicated courses and activities that encourage better health and wellbeing.”
Now, the council is looking to its flagship sites: Palmer Park will open in late 2022, and include a new 25 metre six-lane community pool; while Rivermead will boost an eight-lane 25 metre pool suitable for competitions, as well as a combined teaching and diving pool. This is due to open in spring next year.
And next month, work will start on improvements at Meadway Leisure Centre in Tilehurst.
