Council owned gyms will close for refurbishment

West Berkshire Council has confirmed improvement work will take place at the end of April at five council-owned gyms, including: Kennet, Northcroft, Hungerford and Willink Leisure Centres and Cotswold Sports Centre (Tilehurst).
Part of a rolling programme of improvement, the work will include repainting and new flooring in the gyms.
“The leisure centres won't close, but there will have to be temporary closures of the gyms so that the equipment can be moved safely in and out,” said Peta Stoddart-Crompton, a spokeswoman for the council.
Northcroft, Hungerford and Cotswold will also have Trixter X Dream bikes installed - state of the art virtual bikes, which can be used to race either against a computer, or friends.
The council was unable to confirm the total cost of all the improvements.
Hilary Cole, the council’s Executive Councillor for Leisure (Con. Chieveley) said the improvements were part of the council’s planned contractual spend and continuous investment in council owned leisure centres.
“We are committed to ensuring that local people are able to enjoy the very best facilities," said Mrs Cole.
Alex Godfrey, General Manager for the Parkwood Leisure contract said: ‘We are really excited about the improvement works which will hopefully increase the number of people regularly exercising in West Berkshire. We have listened to our customers and have tailored our plans to what our customers are asking for.”
Every person in West Berkshire, he continued, was eligible for a free three day pass at their nearest leisure facility.
A voucher will be available in Newburytoday’s sister paper, the Newbury Weekly News, on Thursday May 3 and 10, or are available at these local sports and leisure centres.
Completion of the makeover will be celebrated at an open day in each of the gyms on Saturday May 12.