The first images of the new look contemporary gym at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre have been revealed.

 

The £3m transformation will provide the people of Sheffield with a bigger, air conditioned high tech gym, two dedicated, spacious exercise studios, an improved members only spa area and treatment rooms all serviced by brand new ‘members’ changing rooms.

 

Work has already started on the new Fitness Unlimited gym which will be considerably bigger covering an area of 1250 sq m to include over 100 stations, air conditioning and high spec fitness equipment to ultimately provide a much better service for 6,500 fitness fans and anticipated future users.

 

Visitors to the centre can now experience a taste of the refurbishment using a fly through in the new Membership Information Area and also use examples of the Technogym equipment that will fill the new facility.

 

Ian Maude from Hyde Park, who has been a Fitness Unlimited member for three years, was among the first to visit the new area.

 

He said: “I think the plans for the new gym look really good and the equipment I’ve been on is really high quality. I particularly like the fact it gives you a break down of your workout, how many calories you’ve burned and what distances you’ve travelled.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting in the new gym. It’ll make the facilities at Ponds Forge even better.”

 

The membership suite features some of the finishes that will be in the new gym to give visitors to the centre a feel for the new facility.

 

The high-profile investment by facility managers Sheffield International Venues confirms the company’s pledge to continue providing quality facilities at a budget price whilst remaining highly competitive with privately operated rivals.

 

General manager Helen Broadbent said: “The investment in Ponds Forge will help to ensure that the venue remains one of the best in the country and continues to lead the sector.

 

“Our members and centre users are at the heart of the venue and it was with this in mind that we created the Membership Information Area. We want people to see and experience the facilities and feel involved in the development. We would encourage and welcome everybody to come and have a look.”

 

The centre will remain fully functional throughout the refurbishment process, allowing the public to access all of Ponds Forge’s existing sport and fitness facilities. The current gym, housed in the venue’s foyer will be accessible throughout the construction period to both Fitness Unlimited members and pay as you go customers, as well as use of an additional CV gym in The Studio.

 

The new Membership Information Area, located in Ponds Forge reception, is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday to Sunday.

 

Visitors are welcome to view the plans for the venue and try the new equipment under the guidance of Ponds Forge staff.

 

For further information about Ponds Forge International Sports Centre call 0114 2233 400 or visit www.ponds-forge.co.uk