Grange Leisure Centre, in Stratton St Margaret, Swindon, has completed the final phase of its £800,000 redevelopment as it continues to increase capacity and replace ageing facilities.

Previously called Stratton Leisure Centre, the project included the redevelopment of the old gym, to create a new reception area and café, as well as the rebranding of the site to Grange Leisure Centre.

The six-month project was a joint partnership between facility development company Alliance Leisure, design and build specialists Createability, and Physique Sports – a supplier of remanufactured fitness equipment.

Alliance Leisure, which specialises in facility development and sales and marketing support for public sector leisure sites, has been working with the leisure centre for four years, growing the membership of its small fitness suite from 130 members in 2009 to more than 400 in 2013. As a result the company was appointed to deliver the redevelopment project, bringing in Createability to provide the design and build element.

The renovations created a feeling of déjà vu for Createability, which installed the centre’s original fitness suite as one of its first ever projects 20 years ago.

“It was the second or third job we ever did,” said managing director Ian Cotgrave. “A £120,000 redevelopment of the Parish Council-owned centre, knocking two rooms into one to create a fitness suite. Nothing much had changed since then – even the paint was the same colour!”

This time the construction work comprised knocking through two under-used squash courts and adding a mezzanine floor to extend the gym to accommodate 1,200 members. Alliance Leisure also continued to work with the Parish Council to boost membership sales.

The new 42-station, 2,230sq ft (207sq m) fitness suite includes remanufactured Life Fitness Silver 95 series stations, some with integrated TV screens, plus recline bikes and crosstrainers from Octane. The strength area features Hoist’s Roc-It ride orientated strength circuit, which adjusts to the movement of the user simulating a free weights workout, as well as free weights, kettle bells and a TRX system.