Leighton Buzzard is to be home to just the third facility in the world for cutting-edge technology in one of its leisure centres.
Improvement works are taking place at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre over the next six months as part of Central Beds Council’s commitment to bring its leisure facilities right up to date.
The re-development project will include the extension and refurbishment of the Fitness Suite, which will comprise brand new equipment from Technogym including the new Artis range.
Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre will be the just the third facility in the world to feature this new range – Spain, London and now, Leighton Buzzard.
Funding was agreed by the council’s Executive back in October and work has just started after the contract was awarded.
The technology includes the latest interactive Well-being technology, plus internet access and iPhone/iPod docking.
Other equipment will include a heavy free-weights area, as well as a wide variety of resistance machines and accessories for functional fitness training. New changing rooms and shower facilities will be built as well as a new reception with integrated cafe so that customers can enjoy a space in which to relax with a drink, light meal or snack.
The relocated crèche will continue to provide high quality childcare for children during the day as well as converting to a fitness studio in the evenings for a variety of group exercise classes. This will support the new fitness studio located on the first floor (currently being used as a second gym).
The car park will see a complete redevelopment also during August, with a new surface, space allocation, lighting and CCTV.
Councillor Spurr said: “Our leisure facilities are key community health resources for our residents to engage in regular physical activity .This work will bring Tiddenfoot facilities right up to date, adding capacity so we can meet the additional demand for fitness and sporting facilities. In fact, we’re the first local authority in the whole country to install this type of equipment!”
“While works are on (from 8 July), there will be a reduction in gym space, a temporary reception and the crèche will be relocated. Work begins on the car park on 8 August and we plan to complete phase 1 of works in November. The improvements really will ensure that the centre offer a high quality experience.”
Last Monday, work began on a temporary entrance and reception, but yesterday saw the start of first phase of the improvement works where the gym was closed and temporary gym facilities were provided.
This phase will not be completed until approximately mid-November, with phase two begiinning shortly aferwards and ending in late January.
If you have any questions regarding the services on offer during this time, please contact Reception on 01525 375765.
