Welcome to town's £21m centrepiece
The Citizen takes a look inside Bletchley Leisure Centre
Costing 21million and heralded as the centrepiece of Bletchley's regeneration, the town's new leisure centre came with a burden of expectation.
But just weeks after it was officially opened the ultra-modern building has already catered for hundreds of fitness enthusiasts.
Run by Hertsmere Leisure, a not-for-profit trust created by Milton Keynes Council and which ploughs all proceeds back into the community facility, the centre believes it has 'something to please everybody'.
Manager Barry Ellis said the building - which replaced the run-down and underused old leisure centre - caters for all age groups and abilities, from tots to pensioners, fitness fanatics to beginners.
It's 25m luxury pool even has a special ramp for a wheelchair access - one of only a few in the country. Other attractions include a sauna and steam room, as well a large terraced spectator gallery.
On the same floor is a row of squash courts, one of which has a moveable wall that can be pushed aside to turn two single courts into one double.
The main sports hall is large enough to house six badminton courts, a basketball court or indoor football pitch.
A separate hall is the home of the well-known Arabian Gymnastics Club, complete with a high-security entrance for the young members' safety.
Walking into the upstairs gym has the feel of a spell in The Matrix, such is the state-of-the-art nature of the equipment. There is even a specialist computer link system enabling users to plan their
regimes or monitor their fitness from home.
Other facilities on offer include studios for various dance lessons, pilates, aerobics, martial arts and a dedicated spin studio; while for the more sedate sportsman there is a super-sized indoor bowling green, double the size of the previous green.
Mr Ellis said early indications have been positive, with even the snow and ice failing to damped people's spirits.
He said: "Despite the bad weather we've been overwhelmed with customers and new membership applications.
"I can't see what more the council could have done."
The monthly adult fee is 32. For more information call 01908 377251.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Milton Keynes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
