USERS of the sport, leisure and community facilities at Everest Community Academy in Popley are benefiting from improvements worth more than £140,000.
The work, funded by developers’ contributions to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, includes an expanded fitness centre, upgraded changing facilities and a new space for community use.
The improvements aim to meet the growing demand from gym users of all ages while offering a flexible and more affordable space for community groups to use.
In addition, work is taking place to convert the upstairs lobby space into an informal drop-in space which will be available to centre users to socialise and keep warm throughout the day.
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The outdoor facilities have also been enhanced with improvements to the artificial grass pitch which has been resurfaced with a FIFA-accredited artificial surface to allow training and match play all year round.
The improvements have been well received by the centre's users and have increased opportunities for local residents to train and improve their health.
Since the work has been completed the centre has had more than 150 new members, almost half of whom are under 18.
The centre has also introduced discounted memberships, including a membership for adults receiving universal credit.
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Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “The Everest Health and Fitness Centre is a real hub for sport, leisure and community activities in the area.
"Helping to improve our residents’ wellbeing is a priority for the council. It is great that this funding has resulted in many more people being able to access the wonderful facilities available here and to take part in activities that support improvements to their wellbeing.”
Everest Community Academy’s sports director Roland Davey said: “We very much appreciate the support of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to make this possible. The funding will make a real difference to members of our local community.”
You can find out more about the Everest Health and Fitness Centre at everestcommunityacademy.org/1100/everest-sports-centre
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