£400k upgrade completed at South Oxhey Leisure Centre gym
South Oxhey Leisure Centre has officially reopened its gym following a £400,000 refurbishment, delivering a major upgrade to facilities just in time for Christmas.
The investment, delivered by Everyone Active, which manages the centre in partnership with Three Rivers District Council, has transformed the gym and studio spaces with brand-new equipment, modern design and improved accessibility for users of all abilities.
The refurbished gym now features a full suite of new Life Fitness equipment, including state-of-the-art treadmills, cross trainers and bikes, alongside pin-and plate-loaded strength machines, dumbbells, Smith machines and squat racks. New Theraguns have also been introduced to support members with muscle recovery.
Accessibility has been a key focus of the upgrade, with three new wheelchair-accessible strength machines – a chest press, seated row and shoulder press – installed, along with a Ski Erg featuring a wide base and extended handles to ensure wheelchair users can train safely and confidently.
As part of the works, the gym space has been fully refreshed with new flooring, lighting and décor, creating a brighter and more motivating environment.
South Oxhey Leisure Centre customer Himesh Soneji, who has been a member for more than two and a half years, welcomed the improvements.
He said: “I think the new gym is great! Really good use of the space, it feels somehow much more spacious than before. It has a real premium gym feel, at a cost effective price!”
The centre’s group exercise studios, which host popular classes such as Zumba, BodyPump and Yoga, have also been redecorated to enhance the experience for class participants.
Gillian Kolesnikow, who has been a member at South Oxhey Leisure Centre for four years and regularly attends group exercise classes, said the improvements have enhanced the overall experience.
She said: “The studios look very sleek and professional. The new flooring and lighting have made a real difference, particularly for Yoga classes, and have really enhanced the atmosphere.”
John Sewell, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re delighted to see the refurbished gym open and being enjoyed by members. This investment has completely refreshed the space and significantly enhanced the quality of facilities available. It’s about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where people of all fitness levels feel supported to stay active and healthy.”
Cllr Chris Lloyd, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “I am thrilled to see the refurbished gym open that will make our first-class leisure offer even better. This upgrade will create even more opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.
“We are excited to see the installation of solar panels on South Oxhey Leisure Centre next year, which will significantly reduce bills and save a projected 772 tonnes of carbon emissions over the lifetime of the panels. This will ensure the leisure centre benefits not only our residents’ health and wellbeing, but our local environment as well.”