Oldham Active invests £750k into gym refurbishments

Oldham Active (Oldham Community Leisure), the charitable trust that operates leisure facilities in the borough, has invested £750,000 into the refurbishment of the gyms at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, Failsworth Sports Centre, Oldham Leisure Centre and Royton Leisure Centre.

Due to start this autumn, the works will see a substantial upgrade to the gym space at all four of the leisure centres, including a total replacement of the cardiovascular equipment by Oldham Active’s partner, the market-leading fitness equipment provider, TechnoGym.

Oldham Active is also introducing ‘BLAST’ - a new group training experience using TechnoGym’s specialist curved treadmills, Skill Mills, SKI ergs, which replicate Nordic ski function movements, rowers, free-weights and other pieces of functional training kit.

Lauren Connis, Oldham Active’s new Group Health and Fitness Brand Manager, said: “BLAST will be a unique functional experience designed to give our members an energising and engaging fast-paced 30 or 45-minute workout.

“The plan is to offer a blend of programmed classes in the early morning, at lunch times and peak times during the evening as well as a programme specifically for young people, around these times the space will be open for gym users to access.”

Each of the indoor cycling studios will benefit from either new or upgraded bikes and there will also be a new, fully interactive gym floor cycle zone at Oldham Leisure Centre with TechnoGym Ride.

These specialist, interactive bikes allow users a real-life immersive cycling experience that includes training apps, on-demand coaches and a variety of outdoor routes.

Across all sites the leisure centre opening times will be extended for gym and pool users.

Following requests from customers, a state-of-the-art sauna will also be a new addition to Royton Leisure Centre too.

Stuart Lockwood, Oldham Active Chief Executive, said: “We have listened and are extremely excited be introducing a sauna suite as part of the investment.

"We hope customers will enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of this facility for years to come.”

The refurbishments will include new lighting, décor and flooring to give members a totally new feel and positive outlook, and public wifi will also be introduced at all the centres.

The works have been scheduled to minimise disruption, and Oldham Active does not envisage having to close the centres.

Mr Lockwood added: “As a charitable organisation our aim is to motivate people to lead active, healthy lives; to help achieve this we need inspiring and welcoming facilities, with excellent equipment.

"We want to ensure all our venues have high quality equipment that’s easy to use and create safe spaces where our customers enjoy spending time.

“This substantial investment demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement.

"This isn’t just a lick of paint; the plans are extensive and will ensure our spaces are safe, welcoming and inclusive to all.

"The range of the new equipment, plus our existing classes and sports and aquatic activities demonstrate there is really something for everyone.”

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