Xcel leisure complex is undergoing a £6 million refurbishment

As part of the new leisure management operator contract between Places Leisure and Elmbridge Borough Council, which will see a £6 million investment into the Xcel leisure complex, members can expect the refurbishment to provide brand new equipment and more energy efficient, innovative, and affordable facilities. This project is being funded by Places Leisure.

The first stage of these redevelopments, which featured a restructure of the gymnastics hall into four, brand new studio spaces, is now completed. This will be host to studios for group exercise and holistic classes, including Hot Yoga, and an immersive cycling studio.

Members will be able to use new equipment such as SMART BARS™ and SMARTSTEP™ systems from LES MILLS®’ SMART TECH kit, that will support studio sessions and help members stay active innovatively and safely. The cycling studio will also be home to LES MILLS®’ THE TRIP, a workout experience that combines multi-peak cycling with journeys through virtual worlds.

Sessions for the brand-new timetable of studio-based can now be booked.

The Xcel leisure complex will also be hosting an Open Week from 30 October to 4 November to begin showcasing the new facilities and allowing members and non-members to have an insight into what is offered. To round off the celebrations, the fitness team at the centre have arranged an Open Day on 4 November to encourage visitors to try new classes and get together over drinks and nibbles.

There will be opportunities for people to try new activities, get a feel of the community spirit, and for the Xcel leisure complex to further understand and deliver the needs of the local area.

As a social enterprise, making a difference to the communities in which Places Leisure are based is a core purpose.

Stuart Urquhart, Contract Manager at Places Leisure, said: “We’re excited to get the ball rolling on the upcoming developments at Xcel and we can’t wait to see more of the community enjoying the fresh facilities and new activities with their family and friends. Together with Elmbridge Borough Council and our partners, it’s a fantastic part of Places Leisure’s mission as a social enterprise to create more active places and healthy people that help communities thrive.”

With a backing of over £385,000, the current gym will be significantly increased in size and remodelled to allow for a wider range of equipment and stations.

Life Fitness is providing Places Leisure with bespoke strength and cardio equipment, working closely with the centre to ensure the refurbishment brings an exceptional, seamless experience to the community. With aligning values and ethics, Life Fitness and Places Leisure are able to shape each project and localise the refurbishments to suit the surrounding communities.

Craig Cocking, UK Managing Director of Life Fitness said: "I'm delighted to start our new partnership with Places Leisure, and we are extremely excited to work on such rewarding projects. We hope to use all our experience to help create spaces that are inclusive, accessible, environmentally friendly, and dynamic ensuring that each facility drives value back to the local communities.”

The gym will close from 27 November, with plans to reopen during December 2023 ready for the new year! A variety of machines, including PowerMill Climbers, plate loaded resistance machines, a BOX12 Pod, and equipment from EGYM’s Smart Flex range will be fitted to cater to cardio, flexibility, and strength training.

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy at Elmbridge Borough Council comments: “As the development works at the Xcel have now started for the new studio spaces, gym extension and health suite, we look forward to seeing these fantastic new facilities enjoyed in the future by the thousands of people visiting every year. They will be a fantastic addition to the existing facilities, and we hope that many more people will visit to benefit from them once they are completed.

"It will be great to provide the perfect environment to enable everybody to achieve their goals."

Late October will also see the construction of the Health Suite, which will feature two steam rooms, a salt room, a sauna, and heated loungers. Members can expect the facilities to improve circulation, aid sleep, alleviate muscle and joint pain, and boost stress relief. Conveniently located steps away from the gym, the Health Suite aims to become a necessity in post-workout relaxation and recovery. Works will begin on October, with plans to reopen Spring 2024.

Members of the centre will receive emails from Xcel leisure complex with any further details regarding the refurbishment.