Hartham Leisure Centre reopens

Over 1000 people attended the reopening of Hartham Leisure Centre last Saturday (9th September) following its £9m refurbishment project.

More than 280 children enjoyed soft play sessions, while 560 fitness enthusiasts explored the new gym facilities. The open day also showcased introductory personal training sessions and group fitness classes, which were enjoyed by 360 participants.

The new leisure centre features a two-storey extension, housing a state-of-the-art gym, modern studios, soft play facilities and a cafe area.

Paul Lindsey, General Manager at Everyone Active, said: "We were absolutely thrilled by the overwhelming support from the local community at the family fun day last weekend. It was fantastic to witness our community members exploring the upgraded facilities and embracing an active lifestyle.

"The developments go a long way in significantly increasing the provision of activities at the centre, working to further drive the health and wellbeing of the local community, while feeding into the sustainability initiatives of the council and Everyone Active."

Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council, said: "After nearly five years of planning, developing, and construction, and with the ambition to provide fitness for all, it's safe to say that Hartham Leisure Centre has changed almost beyond recognition. There are so many fantastic benefits to physical activity, and if you've never been to a gym or class before, the staff here are always happy to offer support, advice, and encouragement to get you started with something that's right for you.
 
"We wouldn't have got to this point without the hard work of all partners involved. A big thank you to Varsity Consulting, Cadman Construction, Saunders Boston Architects, the project team at East Herts Council and finally Everyone Active, who have worked tirelessly to keep the gym and classes as available as possible whilst all the work has taken place."

Among the enhancements are the installation of 120 pieces of state-of-the-art fitness equipment in the gym, providing views of Hartham Common. The gym caters to diverse fitness needs, offering a wide range of cardiovascular equipment, dedicated weightlifting zones and various resistance equipment. The centre also boasts two spacious studios, facilitating an expanded schedule of group exercise classes and community activities.

For children there is a brand-new three-tier soft play structure plus a baby sensory zone. An interactive wristband feature called TAGplay will introduce gamification elements to the play experience. Children can tag checkpoints, earn points and set time records as they navigate the play structure, and enjoy the classic slides and obstacles.

In addition to the new and improved facilities, energy improvements have also been introduced to provide sustainable energy and support the centre's commitment to a greener future. These include the installation of solar panels on the roof, an air source heat pump removing any need for additional gas, and a green feature wall served by rainwater from the roof – providing an amazing visual feature to blend into the green space around Hartham.