Gloucester's GL1 Leisure Centre is set for a significant upgrade, with all-new fitness facilities and kids play features creating a 'much-improved' experience for visitors.
The 'comprehensive' improvements – part of an £8 million investment in leisure at GL1 and Oxstalls Sport Park by Gloucester City Council – will include a brand-new gym, enhanced soft play area, new water play features, improved reception hub, refurbished changing rooms and the introduction of EGYM equipment.
The city council and Freedom Leisure, which operates GL1, say that together, the upgrades will 'modernise the facility and support more people looking to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle in Gloucester'.
Detailed design work on the project is progressing ahead of construction beginning in September, with CGI artist's impressions revealing how the new facilities might look.
In addition to the works starting this autumn, the women’s only gym will also reopen next year with a 'fresh look', including new flooring, air conditioning and enhanced security features, in response to visitor feedback.
Caroline Courtney, cabinet member for culture and leisure at the city council, said: 'We know how important accessible, high-quality leisure facilities are for our residents.
'GL1 is long overdue an upgrade, it's what our city deserves, and we are delighted that these improvements that we committed to delivering are now ready to proceed.
'This refurbishment, including the new gym, will provide a much-enhanced experience for our valued members and visitors to the Leisure Centre and create a welcoming space where people can come together, get active and support their physical and mental wellbeing.'
The centre has already benefited from recent improvements, including energy-efficient lighting, new indoor cycling bikes, refurbishment of the pool floor, and the introduction of gravity reformer Pilates equipment and classes.
Ivan Horsfall Turner, chief executive of Freedom Leisure, added: 'We are delighted to be working alongside Gloucester City Council to deliver this significant investment in GL1.
'These improvements represent a major step forward for one of the city’s most important community assets.
'The planned enhancements will create a more modern, welcoming and inclusive environment with improved fitness facilities alongside exciting new attractions for families to enjoy together.
'This investment will help ensure GL1 continues to meet the evolving needs of the local community for many years to come.'
The improvement works are expected to be completed by autumn 2027. Users are advised to check the GL1 website and social media channels for updates on access and opening while the works are ongoing.
