Million pound makeover sees LSBU fitness hub go from strength to strength
LSBU's new-look Sport Centre officially opened after a million pound make-overLSBU's commitment to the local community of Southwark has been further enhanced by the opening of its revamped Sport Centre.
The London Borough of Southwark generously invested £300,000 to help make the development a reality and meet its aim to improve public access to educational sports facilities. Southwark Council's Cllr Peter John officially opened the new premises, which includes a brand new external entrance on one of the busiest corners of the campus for LSBU's students and the community.
Following the redevelopment, the Sports Centre has more activity space and room for top-class indoor sports and exercise facilities to help improve members' health and overall level of fitness.
The redevelopment has the backing of Sport England who support facility improvements that increase participation and help people create a sporting habit for life. The improvements to LSBU sports facilities will make the centre more accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages in the community as well as students and staff at LSBU.
LSBU Sports Centre offers gym facilities such as sophisticated cardio equipment and a dedicated free weights room - complete with a Smith machine, Olympic Bars and Kettle bells – in addition to fully air-conditioned dance and spin studios.
The centre also provides therapy services, personal training programmes and a large multipurpose Sports Hall for badminton, basketball, indoor football, netball, volleyball and martial arts. A range of junior programmes including school holiday sports camps, summer camps and after-school sports will also help local children remain active.
Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council said: "I am delighted to be opening the new LSBU leisure centre. Our £300,000 investment into its development, through a 106 agreement, has given our residents greater access to this service to support their fitness and wellbeing and the facility complements our own, brand new leisure centre at Elephant and Castle, which is set to open next year.
"Southwark Council is committed to delivering more initiatives for improving health within the borough and I hope many people across the community will be encouraged to take up exercise more regularly for generations to come through this fantastic new facility."
Andy Powlesland, Director of the Academy of Sport, said: "The development of a separate external entrance to the University Sports Centre and the internal space reconfiguration will benefit students, staff and the local community in equal measure.
"The development has created more activity space which then supports a more diverse sporting and exercise offer for our customers. The Sports Centre is now extremely visible on one of the busiest corners of the campus, and this raised awareness will lead to greater participation. It allows for extended opening hours, and supports Sport England's strategy to open up educationally based sports halls to the community."