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Exciting improvements coming soon!
We are pleased to share details of the significant investment into the gym reconfiguration and fitness enhancement scheme at Willesden Sports Centre.
The scheme represents an investment of approximately £1.4 million in the centre's gym and fitness facilities, intended to improve capacity, equipment, flexibility and the overall customer experience.
What is the project?
The previous indoor running track downstairs at Willesden Sports Centre, which has been partly used as an overflow gym space for the last six years, will be completely renovated and turned into an incredible dedicated new gym space, the size of which you are unlikely to have ever seen before!
Orders have been placed for equipment from our trusted, long time fitness equipment partners Life Fitness and Physical Company. We will be replacing some of the older equipment currently in the gym upstairs, relocating what remains down into the new gym and then supplementing this with a vastly increased number of stations and exciting new additions. This will bring our total capacity to 172 stations!
What are the benefits?
There will be an increase in the total number of cardio machines by approximately 25%, with a comprehensive range that will ensure members do not need to wait for their favourite cardio machine during peak time. There will also be additional fixed resistance machines added to the current range.
However, by far the most significant benefits to this project are firstly the huge freeweights and cable area that we can create with the additional space available downstairs. Highlights include free weights and functional training equipment. Particular highlights will include:
Then at the far end of the gym we will be creating a dedicated ‘Functional Training and Hybrid Fitness Zone’ with:
Finally in the gym, we will be adding two very large dedicated stretch areas, as well as lockers and seating.
What else is happening?
As part of this project, significant improvements will be made to the indoor cycling studio for those who have a preference for group exercise classes rather than the gym.
We will install an extensive LED lighting scheme and raised tiers like a theatre for enhanced placement of the bikes. This will really create a fantastic space which will motivate participants of our indoor cycling classes on the top-of-the-range ICG bikes that were installed earlier this year.
Why are these changes being made?
The range of equipment, current gym layout and overall available space at Willesden Sports Centre has significant scope for improvement. The current free weights area in particular does not cater for demand due to changing exercise habits over recent years and we want to provide a much larger more modern training space that aligns with the current fitness goals of our members.
This is a project that has been in the planning stages for a considerable amount of time. Also, in order to get the project right the first time around, we employed ‘Track My Gym’ who specialise in advising some of the world’s largest gym operators.
In November 2024 they attached sensors to the existing equipment to measure usage over 7 days, enabling them to make key recommendations on how to optimise the gym floor. These recommendations, and the usage data upon which they were made, have heavily influenced our purchasing decisions so we can be confident the new range of equipment will be exactly what is needed at Willesden Sports & Fitness Centre.
What are the proposed dates of the refurb?
Works will commence in Autumn 2026 and project completion scheduled for early 2027, (exact dates to follow). What better motivation do you need to smash your New Year goals!
Follow us on social media to be the first to find out more. We will also be updating this FAQ’s page as dates are finalised.
Can I still use the Centre?
Yes. The centre will remain open during the works, although some spaces, activities and equipment may be temporarily unavailable or relocated.
The existing main gym upstairs will remain open until a few days before the end of the project when some of the equipment will need to be transferred downstairs into the new space.
We will endeavour to keep the disruption to an absolute minimum throughout the project, with all other areas of the centre being unaffected.
Some group exercise classes and booked sessions may be temporarily relocated or adjusted. We will communicate directly with affected users as arrangements are confirmed and seek to minimise disruption wherever reasonably possible.
How will I know how to use the new equipment?
All members wishing to use the new equipment will be able to book in for a gym induction. This will be a 1:1 session with a member of staff who will spend time showing you the equipment and making sure you’re confident and competent using it. However, we anticipate that for the majority of members this will not be required because the equipment will be from our existing suppliers, Life Fitness, and will operate identically.
You can book an induction or refresher session on the Leisure Centre mobile app or at reception.
What will happen to my membership?
There will be no changes to your existing membership. All memberships will be unaffected by this project and payments will continue as per normal.
What will happen to the existing gym equipment in the indoor running track during the works?
The current gym and fitness equipment will be removed or relocated as part of the preparatory arrangements for the scheme, ahead of the main reconfiguration works.
During the works, fitness provision will continue in the existing gym, although some equipment and activities may be temporarily affected.
Once the new enlarged gym opens, the intention is to bring all gym and fitness equipment together within the new facility.
The current gym in the indoor track, will there still be separate space to the main gym?
No due to build works the indoor track gym will be removed and all equipment relocated to the upstairs area.
What will happen to current classes and clubs currently operating in the indoor track?
What will happen to the old gym space?
Following the completion of the new enlarged gym, the existing gym is intended to be reconfigured to provide a multi-use activity space.
The detailed design, suitability for different activities and future programming are being finalised as part of the implementation process.
The reconfiguration is currently anticipated to follow completion of the new enlarged gym, with the initial programming and opening date to be confirmed.
How will I know what's going on?
We will send out emails with full details, notifications via the Leisure Centre mobile app and provide updates on our social media channels.
This FAQ’s page will also be kept up to date throughout the project in the lead up to the project and throughout.
What if I have more questions?
No problem, we’re here to help. Please visit us in centre or use the contact us page on our website.
We will be arranging some meet the manager sessions to brief those who wish to attend and provide a chance for any questions to be answered.
Thank you for your understanding while we complete the works and I am sure you are as excited as us to see the works completed and be able to use this fantastic industry leading gym.
We look forward to welcoming members to the new and improved facilities in 2027.
