Lutterworth glitters gold with sporting legends at open day

Sporting celebrities British swimming legend, and multiple gold-medallist, Mark Foster, and local Olympic rowing gold medallist, Lauren Henry, were on hand to pose in photographs and chat with delighted fans. 

Lutterworth Leisure Centre has been renamed from Lutterworth Sports Centre to represent the improvements brought about by the capital investment from Harborough District Council alongside operator Everyone Active.

The centre has benefitted from a new 100-station gym, a new soft play, refreshed studios, poolside enhancements and a new reception. Modern Keiser spin bikes have been installed at the upgraded cycling studio which now boasts a disco lighting option to jazz-up the overall user experience.

The launch event was well-attended by residents from Lutterworth and local villages, councillors from Lutterworth Town Council, and Harborough District Council alongside the international sporting greats, with many sessions fully booked days in advance. The councillors were treated to a taster Boccia session, which is an accessible form of the game pétanque, using softer, more tactile balls.

A variety of exciting free activities also took place for people of all ages and fitness levels, with inflatable sessions, cheerleading demonstrations and group exercise all on offer. Sporting legends, Mark Foster and Lauren Henry also threw down the gauntlet in a fitness challenge for those brave enough to take part.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council said, “What an amazing event to celebrate the culmination of a successful project to revitalise Lutterworth Leisure Centre and deliver improved accessible exercise opportunities for our communities.

“It has been a fabulous open day with a variety of activities for everyone. Feedback from visitors has been wonderful and it is so rewarding to see families enjoying the upgraded facilities. It is important not to underestimate that by participating in physical activities we can boost both our mental and physical wellbeing.

“My thanks to our special guests but also and importantly a huge thank you to all who have worked so hard in delivering this wonderfully improved facility” 

Lewis Humphreys, Everyone Active’s general manager, said: “This was the perfect way to celebrate the refurbishment of the centre, which will serve the local community for years to come. It was great to see the public experience the wide range of activities and get a sense of how much there is on offer for everyone. We hope to see lots of new and returning visitors soon.”

Mark Foster said: “It was brilliant to meet everyone at Lutterworth Leisure Centre and to see so many people of all ages getting active – both in the pool and out of it. This refurbishment will help local people to access the top-of-the-range facilities they need to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.”

Lauren Henry said: “The upgrades at Lutterworth Leisure Centre are something for the town to be proud of and I really hope people make the most of this amazing facility. As an athlete, it’s fantastic to have access to state-of-the-art equipment but this is a refurbishment that will benefit the whole community.”

In an ongoing commitment to tackle climate change, the next step is the installation of solar panels to the roof of the leisure centre which will dually, deliver energy efficiencies and drive down energy costs. With further lighting upgrades due to improve energy efficiencies in the sports hall in the next few months.

Visitors and regular members at Lutterworth Leisure Centre are now being encouraged to respond to a satisfaction survey to share their thoughts and feedback about how the upgrades have impacted and improved their use of the centre.

You can find the survey online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Lutterworth