AN INDOOR cycling studio and assisted gym area form part of new improvements at a leisure centre in the area.

Cotswold District Council has announced the completion of improvement works at Cirencester Leisure Centre in partnership with Freedom Leisure, which operates the centre.

Upgrades include an indoor cycling studio, an assisted gym area, refurbished changing rooms and showers and new flooring for the existing group exercise studio.

The new cycle class studio and assisted gym area were opened to the public at a leisure centre open weekend on Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29.

Costing £1.2 million and beginning earlier this year, the joint project between CDC and Freedom Leisure saw the upgrades undertaken in response to householder feedback.

The improvements form part of the council’s ongoing commitment to investing in community facilities.

Upgrades are being funded by CDC and are based on proposals made by Freedom Leisure when the new leisure contract was agreed in 2023.

The council said improvements would ‘provide a modern, more accessible environment for users of all ages and abilities’.

Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for health, leisure and parking at CDC, said: “We are thrilled to see the completion of these much-anticipated improvements.

“Our residents deserve the best facilities, and this refurbishment ensures that Cirencester Leisure Centre remains a vibrant hub for fitness and recreation in the heart of our community.

“The enhanced facilities will provide a more welcoming and inclusive space for everyone, encouraging more people to engage in healthy, active lifestyles.”

Nick Charlton, Freedom Leisure’s partnership manager in the Cotswolds, said: “The new and improved facilities at Cirencester Leisure Centre represent a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our local community.

“With state-of-the-art equipment and enhanced spaces, we are proud to offer a place where everyone can come together to improve their physical fitness, mental health and overall quality of life.

“Whether it’s through swimming, group fitness classes or simply enjoying social time with friends and family, we’re committed to fostering a healthy and active lifestyle for all ages and abilities, and we’d encourage everyone to come and see for themselves the improvements we have made in partnership with CDC.”

The final section of improvements includes the installation of new water play features for younger swimmers poolside.

Installation will take place later this year.

The upgrades at the leisure centre form part of CDC’s wider strategy to invest in community infrastructure and deliver high-quality services to householders.

A spokesperson for CDC said it ‘remains committed to fostering community wellbeing and supporting initiatives that promote physical and mental health’.