Denbighshire County Council is investing £850,000 in the redevelopment of the changing and fitness provision at Rhyl Leisure Centre.

The first phase of work, which encompassed the complete refurbishment of the swimming pool changing rooms finished in summer 2017, with phase 2 due to commence in early February 2018. This will see the centre refurbish the upstairs gym, create the largest, dedicated functional training space in the area by converting an unused drama studio and a new group cycling studio. A high quality dedicated changing area for members will also be introduced. This phase represents an investment of over £600,000, plus equipment.

Jamie Groves, Head of Facilities, Assets and Housing at Denbighshire County Council, says: “The functional training space will offer the community a facility like nothing else in the local area. We will create an environment which motivates and inspires both trainers and users.

“A full range of functional kit, from suspension trainers to kettle bells, battle ropes to Bulgarian bags, will be complemented by an Origin, functional rig. This will support individual training programmes and also host instructor-led, small group, training sessions. Our ambition is always to get more people, more active, more often and this format of training will help us to better engage new and existing users.”

A new, dedicated cycle studio, housing Technogym bikes, will also be added to the provision, offering instructed and virtual classes to help users train at times convenient to them.

The works, managed by Alliance Leisure as part of a long-term framework agreement, are due to complete in June this year. Julia Goddard, Senior Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, says: “A phased approach to the developments will ensure the community has access to fitness facilities throughout the project. Once the functional space is complete, works will begin in the main gym space upstairs. The Centre plays a vital role in the provision of leisure facilities for the local community and this investment will safeguard its future as a physical activity hub for many years to come.”

Conwy County Borough Council has invested in redeveloping the hospitality suite at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay, North Wales.

The project, which was completed by Alliance Leisure, on time and under budget, will allow the borough council to expand its hospitality offering to ensure the future success of the venue.

With a capacity of 6,080 for sporting events and 15,000 for concerts, Stadiwm Zip World hosts a variety of concerts, events and sports fixtures including the town’s iconic Access All Eirias music event each summer. It’s also a popular venue for conferences, exhibitions and team building days as well as banquets, weddings and birthday parties.

The borough council wanted to build on the success of the stadium’s hospitality business and appointed Alliance Leisure to extend the Conwy Suite. By building out onto the existing balcony area overlooking the pitch, Alliance Leisure was able to significantly expand the suite effectively doubling seating capacity to 120. The project also included a new bar area, flooring and decor. The result is a bright and vibrant space that’s perfect for hosting a wide range of events.

“In these times of austerity, we have to make our resources work harder. Stadiwm Zip World is a hugely popular community asset, and demand for the Conwy Suite had outgrown its capacity. Thanks to this new extension, we can cater for even more events ensuring a more viable business in the future,” says John Hardy, Head of Active and Creative Lifestyles at Conwy County Borough Council.