16 Sep 2019
Barnet leisure centre opens as part of £44.9m council investment
BY Tom Walker
New Barnet Leisure Centre in North London has become the second new facility to open its doors following a £44.9m investment by Barnet London Borough Council (BLBC).
The centre houses a health club with a large gym floor equipped with Technogym kit and two exercise studios; a 25m six-lane community pool; learner pool; two "health improvement rooms" and a multi-use games area. The gym will focus on community engagement and uses Technogym's Excite Unity cardio equipment, coupled with a multi-functional studio featuring Group Cycle where members can track their workout data in immersive surroundings.
As part of a plan to centralise a range of council services into "community hubs", the centre will also house a library and spaces for children and young people.
The opening will be followed by the launch of Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre, which houses a health club with group exercise studios, 25m six-lane community pool, a 25m eight-lane competition pool and a five-court sports hall. As well as serving the local community, the facility will also be used by Saracens Rugby Club.
Both centres will be operated by leisure trust GLL through its Better brand. GLL secured a 10-year deal to manage BLBC's centres in November 2017.
As well as the council's £44.9m investment, GLL has put an additional £2.4m into regenerating existing facilities, which has included a new 3G playing pitch at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre and new equipment at the health clubs at Hendon Leisure Centre and Finchley Lido.
"We’ve been able to invest in the health of our residents at a time when councils are making savings," said leader of Barnet Council Dan Thomas.
"This new leisure centre is another example of how the council is investing in community facilities, ensuring Barnet remains a great place to enjoy sport and fitness.”
To support the openings and to introduce new users to them, the council has created a free Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Card for residents, offering a range of benefits and activity incentives.
These include up to 50 per cent off activity prices, free swimming for children under eight and pool access for just £1 for children aged between eight and 15.
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