Council-owned gyms' £400,000 upgrades complete

Three leisure facilities have benefitted from £400,000 of council investment.

Refurbishment work has been completed at Ashdown Leisure Centre, Rossmore Leisure Centre, and the Poole Dolphin Leisure Centre.

They are being run under the new BCP Leisure management model by BCP Council.

The council said the existing gyms and fitness studios had been modernised with upgraded fitness equipment, including cardio and strength equipment, refreshed interiors, resurfaced floors, and enhanced workout spaces.

Portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations Richard Herrett said he was "looking forward to seeing the benefits that these refurbished centres will bring to the local community".

"I am delighted that the upgrades to our leisure centres have been completed - supporting our mission of making lifelong active living accessible and affordable to our residents," he said.

"Bringing the sites into council-led management ensures residents can access more high quality facilities and demonstrates how locally managed services can meet community needs."

The sites became council-managed in October 2024.

BCP Leisure now has responsibility for five facilities - Poole Dolphin, Rossmore, Ashdown, Two Riversmeet Leisure Centres and the Kings Park Leisure and Learning Centre.

Improvements have also been made to the Two Riversmeet swimming pool, with a new protective resin coating installed and filtration systems fully refurbished.

Further work is being undertaken and planned to upgrade the airflow systems and reduce running costs at these important leisure facilities.

The council said discount deals were being offered to users to celebrate the completed works.

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