Latest news
Refurbished Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre officially open
The Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, has been officially re-launched following a £1.5m refurbishment.
The new 96-station fitness suite was opened on 20 January by Shane Lynch, winner of channel 4’s The Games and former member of Irish boy band Boyzone.
The 600sq m (6,460sq ft) gym is a purpose-built extension kitted out by Technogym, which replaces an original 22-station facility.
The revamp also includes a crèche, café and spectator area, which add to the centre’s existing 25m, eight-lane swimming pool and two exercise studios.
The redevelopment was funded by Mid Beds District Council (MBDC) in partnership with the contractor Stevenage Leisure (SLL).
A feasibility study conducted during the planning phase of the development showed that the centre could expect to attract 1,600 members to the gym. Currently, it has just over 1,000 members, but more than 1,500 customers, including pay-as-you-go users, logged onto the Technogym Wellness System.
As well as targeting the local community as a whole to try and achieve social inclusion, MBDC and SLL are working closely with Bedfordshire Heartlands PCT to deliver GP referrals, cardiac rehabilitation and healthy eating initiatives.
The council has also rebranded its leisure facilities, including Flitwick Leisure Centre and Sandy Sports Centre, under the label Lifestyles @ Midbeds, which aims to take a more holistic approach to health and fitness.
MBDC and SLL are currently in the planning stage of a new build in Stotfold, which will include a fitness facility, sports hall, exercise and dance studios and a spa. Details: www.midbeds.gov.uk/lifestyles