A COUNTY Paralympian was on hand to formally open the £3million extension of Evesham Leisure Centre with council chiefs vowing the new addition will improve the health of town residents.
Rebecca Redfern opened Evesham Leisure Centre’s extension in the presence of civic dignitaries and honoured guests at the official opening ceremony on Wednesday (January 16).
The popular athlete made her Paralympic debut in the 2016 Rio Olympics and is a well-known para swimmer. She was joined by Chairman of Wychavon District Council Coun Tony Rowley and chairman of Wychavon Leisure Stuart Megarry to officially open the venue which was completed earlier this month.
The new two-storey extension to Evesham Leisure Centre represents a £3million transformation which improves and extends the venue to meet the demands of growing numbers of customers and completes an overall £13million investment on the site.
As part of the multi-million pound revamp, the fitness room area has been refurbished and extended to provide a new weights area. The fitness area has been fitted with new equipment for cardio, strength and free-weight workouts.
The new extension boasts two new studios both equipped with sprung floors, sound systems and coloured lighting, in addition the dance studio has a large mirror and dance bar.
A new and expanded therapy treatment suite, meeting rooms and associated kitchenette and toilets and a disabled toilet are also part of the new extension which offers 91 car parking spaces on a newly-resurfaced car park.
Coun Gerry O’Donnell, portfolio holder for housing, health and wellbeing at Wychavon said: “This is a tremendous new venue and we’re thrilled at the additional facilities that have been made available for customers.
“This represents an extra £3million worth of investment which is directly improving the health, fitness and general wellbeing of our residents – good news for everyone.
“It’s also wonderful it is the new home to the Evesham Vale Cardiac Rehab who provide a brilliant service to those recovering from cardiac issues.”
Peter Williams, managing director of Wychavon Leisure said “Since the opening of Evesham Leisure Centre in 2009, it has become an important part of the fabric of the community. As a local social enterprise we are delighted to be a partner in this innovative project which will both improve and extend the facility together with helping to improve the health of our community.”
Bill Cave, small works director at contractors Speller Metcalfe said: “As a local building contractor we were delighted to work with Wychavon District Council to update and extend the facilities at Evesham Leisure Centre.
“We are really pleased with the end result that will benefit existing members as well as encourage more people in the local area to get active.”
The event also coincided with Evesham Vale Cardiac Rehab’s 10 year anniversary celebrations and provided guests with the opportunity to find out more about the services provided at in the new extension as well as seeing the full extension in all its glory.
Visit www.riversfitness.co.uk for more.
