£400k upgrade set to transform South Oxhey Leisure Centre gym
South Oxhey Leisure Centre is set for a major transformation this winter, with a £400,000 refurbishment bringing brand-new equipment, modern design and a refreshed feel throughout the gym and studios.
The project is funded by leisure operator Everyone Active, which manages the centre in partnership with Three Rivers District Council.
The gym will be completely refurbished and equipped with a full range of new Life Fitness machines, including the latest treadmills, cross trainers and bikes, as well as pin- and plate-loaded strength machines, dumbbells, Smith machines and squat racks. A range of Theraguns will also be added to support with muscle recovery.
Accessibility has also been a key focus, with the addition of three new wheelchair-accessible strength machines - a chest press, seated row and shoulder press - and a Ski Erg with a wide base and extended handles to ensure wheelchair users can train with confidence.
Alongside the new equipment, the entire area will receive a full makeover with modern flooring, lighting and décor designed to create a brighter, more motivating workout environment.
The Group Exercise studios - which hosts classes such as Zumba, Body Pump and Yoga, will also be redecorated to enhance the experience for class users.
Work on the studios will take place from 24 to 28 November, with some classes temporarily relocated to the sports hall.
The gym will then close from 6 to 20 December, reopening on Sunday 21 December - just in time for members to enjoy the new space before Christmas.
To help customers maintain their fitness routines during the closure, members will have access to other Everyone Active centres including Watford Leisure Centre - Central, Watford Leisure Centre - Woodside, Harrow Leisure Centre and William Penn Leisure Centre.
John Sewell, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re thrilled to be making this investment at South Oxhey Leisure Centre. The new equipment and modernised space will provide an inspiring environment for people of all fitness levels. It’s about more than just a new look - it’s about creating a place where our members feel motivated and supported to achieve their goals.”
Cllr Chris Lloyd, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “I am thrilled that we continue to see major investment in our first-class leisure offer as we continue to work in partnership with Everyone Active. Just last year, the William Penn Leisure Centre had a major refurbishment that created more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. I am pleased that South Oxhey Leisure Centre is being upgraded for the benefit of the community. I look forward to visiting the centre once the works are complete.
“Alongside the upgrades to the centre’s fitness facilities, we will soon be installing solar panels, as part of our ambitious plan to decarbonise our buildings, to ensure the leisure centre benefits our local environment as well as our residents’ health and wellbeing.”
The rest of the centre will remain open as normal during the refurbishment.