Work begins on £500k upgrade for leisure centre

A new cycle studio and gym equipment are included in the refurbishment

Work to transform Hillsborough Leisure Centre in Sheffield has begun.

A refurbished group cycle studio forms part of the improvements, alongside new cardio equipment including treadmills, cross trainers and rowing machines.

The £500,000 investment has come from leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs the centres in partnership with Sheffield City Council.

The work is expected to finish in early December.

The upgraded gym and cycle studio will include state-of-the-art bikes, treadmills and cross trainers

Everyone Active contract manager Phil Bowers said: "We're incredibly proud to be investing in the future of Hillsborough Leisure Centre, which is much-loved by the local community."

The centre's gym will be decorated, and there will be improvements to free weight areas and a new dedicated recovery space for the local community to focus on their wellbeing.

The improvements also include new resistance training equipment such as the latest Olympic flat and incline benches with weight storage, dumbbells up to 60kg, shoulder and linear leg press machines and premium plate-loaded equipment.

The investment in Hillsborough Leisure Centre follows a £750,000 refurbishment project at The English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS) and Concord Sports Centre in August and September.

Heeley Pool and Gym also received a £110,000 makeover to its gym in June.

An artist's impression of a new weights area at Hillsborough Leisure Centre

Councillor Kurtis Crossthorn, chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: "The modernised gym and new recovery spaces will ensure people of all ages and abilities have access to high quality facilities that encourage active lifestyles and community connection."

The rest of the facility will remain open during the works and be unaffected by the gym closure, with group exercises and the pool still in operation.

During the refurbishment, Everyone Active members will be able to use other facilities in the city including Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, English Institute of Sport Sheffield (EISS), Concord Sports Centre, Heeley Pool & Gym and Springs Leisure Centre.

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