Better colleagues, customers and councillors from the London Borough of Richmond came together yesterday for the unveiling of new, upgraded facilities at the Pools on the Park leisure centre.

Improvements include a brand-new, multi-purpose studio – doubling capacity for popular spin classes and other activities – and refurbished café toilets.

Simon Sen, Better’s Director of Operations, attended the event and commented, “Better and Richmond Council are very much aligned in seeing good quality leisure facilities as key to public health and wellbeing.

“We are an experienced operator that adds value to public services because our operating model reinvests our surpluses. This is just the beginning. Leisure customers will notice further improvements to come in the look and feel of facilities and programmes going forward.”

Richmond councillors Alan Juriansz and Julia Neden-Watts also joined the celebrations. Cllr Juriansz - Lead Member for Sport – added, “This is the start of significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“By upgrading Pools on the Park, we’re creating more space, more opportunities, and better facilities for residents to stay active. It’s about making it easier for everyone to take part – now and in the future.”

The investment forms part of a wider drive to promote healthier, more active communities. These latest works are part of a wider investment in the centre. Proposed improvements include refurbishment of the gym area and changing rooms, improvements to swimming pool area and sauna and steam provision.

Pools on the Park is operated by GLL under the ‘Better’ brand under a 10-year contract. The venue has seen a 14% growth in pre-paid members.