Centre gym to reopen after refit

The centre has been closed since spring for renovation and will now include a new two-storey gym, two studios and a new library, reception and cafe area as well as new toilets and enlarged changing rooms.

Although there will be an official reopening of the centre in January, the gym section will open this Saturday. The revamp has been funded by Cherwell District Council.

Speaking to the Banbury Guardian, leisure centre manager Leah Kinch said: “It will be fantastic. We are really excited.

“The new studios are coming along and we are just finishing up and painting.

“In the corridors there is some plastering to do.

“All the fundamental, big things have been done, like the gym, the doors have arrived today so it is all coming together now.”

The cafe will be housed in an extension. The centre has a badminton court with a high ceiling, so a mezzanine floor has been put in place.

She added: “It is very much a community feel we are going for with the library and the cafe so lots of sports groups can use the facility as well as providing a gym and two lovely studios.”

In May, Cherwell awarded the contract to carry out the improvements to Parkwood Leisure.

The leisure centre’s pool has already undergone a refurbishment.

George Reynolds, deputy leader for Cherwell District Council said: “We are hoping the refurbishment will increase the centre’s useage, particularly for the people who live in that area.

“They can also go to Spiceball. Both centres are extremely good.

“We are pleased we have a new contract with Parkwood, pleased the council managed to put the money together to enable the refurbishment to happen and I think we all look forward to a successful contract over the years with Parkwood.”