Upgraded facilities at the One Leisure centre in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, UK have been officially opened following a £4.3m redevelopment by Huntingdonshire District Council.

The works included the addition of new changing rooms, an expanded gym space, day spa centre and a five-lane, tenpin bowling alley.

A decision to upgrade the council-run facility came as a result of changing trends in local leisure, which have required the council to rework the centre to meet the growing needs of users.

The new facilities include a spacious reception area with turnstiles and fast-track kiosks, while users are also greeted with a restaurant and bar area that sits next to the centre’s new Basement Lanes tenpin bowling facility.

The site also features new modern changing areas on all floors, in an attempt to compete with privately-run facilities.

The centre’s Impressions Fitness Suite has now been moved to larger area to help cater for all types of gym-goer, with dedicated gym space now measuring 500sq m (5,381 sq ft).

The 120-station gym features an updated functional training area, additional cardio equipment, resistance facilities and a free weights area, with equipment provided by TechnoGym, PowerPlate, Trixter, Escape and Jordan.

The gym is also coupled with a fitness studio area, supported by the creation of two separate fitness studio rooms giving enthusiasts the chance to experience the centre’s expanded programme of classes.

Redevelopment work has spurred the creation of a Pure Day Spa, which gives users access to innovative heat experience rooms in combination with a range of health and beauty treatments.

“I am proud of the way in which the council has approached this outstanding project,” said council leader Jason Ablewhite.

“In times of cutbacks, innovation is required to ensure the longevity of some of our non-statutory services. Investment now will make the leisure centres more sustainable in the future while maintaining our core principles of providing healthier and active lifestyles that are accessible to all.”

More information on the renovated centre is available here: http://lei.sr?a=B0z4j