Major gym refurb officially unveiled at Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre

The gym revamp formed part of a £560,000 programme of improvements at the leisure centre in Bruce Williams Way, which also included a refurbishment of the majority of the centre's wet change showers, changing rooms and disabled changing rooms.

The programme was funded by Rugby Borough Council - through £360,000 from section 106 contributions allocated for improvements to the centre's facilities - and £200,000 from GLL, the charitable social enterprise which operates the centre under the 'Better' brand.

A refurbishment and redesign of the gym included the replacement of approximately 60 fitness stations with new, Technogym cardio and resistance stations, together with new free weights, training equipment and flooring.

The gym also has a new layout, with expanded free weights and stretching zones to meet increased demand.

Improvements to the centre's high-use wet changing areas include a refresh of the showers serving the gym, pool and sauna - including new tiling and shower fittings.

The revamp also includes improvements to the gym changing area and improvements to basins, taps and mirrors.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, said the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre had seen a significant increase in visitors since 2024, with around 3,400 'health and fitness' members and approximately 215,000 swimmers taking the plunge in the centre's swimming pool every year.

"We want to ensure the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre continues to offer quality sport and leisure facilities at an affordable price, supporting the council's work to promote the health and wellbeing of residents," Cllr O'Rourke added.

"This major refurbishment programme - funded by section 106 contributions - means the centre's gym can now cater for the rising number of 'health and fitness' members, while all visitors can benefit from the refreshed wet changing areas which serve the gym, swimming pool and sauna."

The council opened the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre in 2013.

Section 106 agreements form part of planning permission and allow the council to secure financial contributions from developers or landowners towards infrastructure and facilities.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre is a core service for the residents of Rugby, offering access to facilities which contribute to improving the community's health and wellbeing at prices not available in the private sector.

"These facilities can - and do - aid those recovering from serious conditions where a fitness regime can prevent remission and more hospital care."
Nicola Wood, GLL partnership manager, said: "We are delighted with the end result of the centre renovations and the feedback we are receiving from the community has been fantastic.

"We are thankful to our partners Rugby Borough Council for their contribution and support in making it happen.
"As a co-operative, our shared commitment to ensuring our communities have access to affordable sports, leisure and health services remains a key priority.

"Watch this space for more improvements to come later this year."

For more information about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Centre, including membership details, visit the Better website.