Circadian Trust is to introduce new community services following the £1.5m extension and refurbishment of Longwell Green Lifestyle Centre delivered by Alliance Leisure.

South Gloucestershire Council funded the redevelopment of the centre, which is one of five lifestyle centres and a dual-use sports centre operated by Circadian Trust across South Gloucestershire.

Continuing its partnership with Alliance Leisure Services, the appointed Framework development partner, the work was carried out by leisure, design and build specialist Createability on behalf of Circadian Trust. Conducted in three phases, the 10-month project included a new entrance, changing rooms – including disability changing – and toilets, group exercise studio, an extension to the gym and the refurbishment of the main foyer and reception area.

The investment will enable the centre to meet growing public demand. The gym, which was at full capacity, now offers an additional 25 stations and the introduction of an exercise studio means members no longer have to use alternative facilities at Active Kingswood. Instead, the Trust has introduced a timetable of classes designed to cater for local demand from people of all ages and fitness levels. These include Les Mills sessions, yoga, Pilates as well as a range of virtual classes.

The Trust is also currently developing a GP referral scheme, which will make full use of the new facilities.
“Our mission at Circadian Trust is ‘Inspiring Active Lifestyles’ and we use our knowledge, expertise and support to encourage people to become active and lead a healthy lifestyle. The redevelopment at Longwell Green gives us even more facilities, equipment and opportunity to deliver this mission,” said Ben Beasley, Director of Commercial Development at Circadian Trust.

“We are really pleased to have supported another growing leisure trust that is putting the community at the heart of its service. Creating modern, attractive facilities that meet the changing needs of a savvy fitness user is key with these developments,” said Julia Goddard, Senior Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure.

Claudia Fragapane, the Olympic gymnast, star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and local resident, officially opens the centre on Wednesday 31st January.

A £7.4 million project to refurbish and extend Monmouth Leisure Centre in South Wales has started on site. Alliance Leisure is delivering the scheme for Monmouthshire County Council under the UK Leisure Framework.

Opened in 2000, the centre is dated and in much need of renovation. The project, which is being funded by a combination of local project developments and borrowing, will future-proof the centre’s facilities while meeting demand in under-represented markets in the area such as health and wellbeing and children’s play.

ISG has been appointed by Alliance Leisure as principle build contractor for the multi-phased scheme. Phase one includes the refurbishment of the centre to include a new 65-station gym, exercise studio, group cycling studio and changing areas. A new toning suite will increase the provision for sedentary people and those suffering with poor health conditions. Due to complete in summer 2018, phase one also includes a new steel-frame, glass-fronted extension housing a children’s play area and café.

The second phase, scheduled to open in winter 2018, includes a new 25m, five lane swimming pool, a health suite comprising a sauna, steam room and spa bath, and multi-purpose room. Designed to Amateur Swimming Association standards, the pool will be suitable for local galas with enhanced viewing areas and better facilities for youngsters to learn to swim.

A temporary four court sports hall with changing rooms and toilets will accommodate centre users as well as students from Monmouth Comprehensive School while the project is ongoing.

Julia Goddard, Senior Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, says: “This project is the result of an established relationship with Monmouthshire County Council. We’ve been in discussions with Monmouthshire for some time, but it was the launch of the UK Leisure Framework earlier this year that allowed the council to proceed with the development in the most cost-effective way.”

Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council, says: “Gone are the days when public money can be ploughed into leisure, into what some would regard as non-essential services. Yet with health issues on the top of everyone’s agenda, leisure services play a pivotal role in improving public health. The public sector needs to approach the issue with a commercial perspective, which is what we are doing in Monmouthshire.

“Our recent wellbeing assessment tells us we have to plan for the future and invest in preventative programmes to ensure our communities take steps to a healthier life. This project will increase our exercise, swimming and fitness offer allowing us to engage with more of our community.”