Sports stars shine at refurbished Harborough Leisure Centre

Families and Harborough district residents flocked to the centre to meet and greet sport star swimmers, Olympian Rebecca Adlington and Paralympian Maisie Summers-Newton.

Rebecca Adlington is one of the few people to have won Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Maisie Summers-Newton is a four-times Paralympic swimming gold medallist and has an incredible six World Championship wins under her belt, as well as Commonwealth gold at Birmingham 2022.

Both stars were pleased to meet with eager visitors and many autographs were signed and selfies taken.

Maisie jumped into the pool to support an exciting pool training session with Market Harborough Swimming Club members, while Rebecca shared tips and advice from poolside to deliver an unforgettable experience for the enthusiastic younger swimmers.

Les Mills official trainers showcased the brand new group exercise studios by putting on a number of free sessions to warm up and challenge guests with gruelling workouts.

The new and already much-loved Atlantis inflatable hosted two family sessions in the pool area which has been enhanced with new tiles, an improved SEN experience and new and efficient lighting, complimented by a refreshed Changing Village.

DJ Clinton treated gym goers to some pumping tunes in the new and extended gym which boasts state-of-the-art equipment and a range of new Theragun massage guns where you can ease your post-workout aching muscles before heading to the new café for a well-deserved meal or refreshment.

Visitors to the centre, which is run by award-winning operator Everyone Active, also enjoyed free classes in the refurbished group cycling and group exercise studios.

The brand new multi-sports arena hosts tennis and netball clubs and now welcomes a futsal league, while new pickleball court markings will further extend the range of sports facilities for residents in Harborough district.

The reception has been upgraded and the refreshed bowls area boasts new flooring and lighting and in the summer months, will host an indoor soft-play area for under 5s.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “We have enjoyed a marvellous day here at Harborough Leisure Centre. The atmosphere has been wonderful with hundreds of guests enjoying the free sessions and meeting the friendly sports celebrities. I’m so proud that the significant investments we have made, and are continuing to make, are bringing both improved access and range of opportunities for sports and activities sessions to residents in the Harborough district.

“The wellbeing of residents is our priority and we continue to deliver important support for pre and rehabilitation referrals, people living with long-term health conditions and for residents facing mental health challenges. I applaud the hard work and dedication of the staff here.”

Rebecca Adlington said: “It was lovely to see so many getting involved in the activities on offer and the swimming in particular. Learning to swim is such an important skill and it’s fantastic that children and adults have the opportunity to access award-winning swim lessons here.”

Maisie Summers-Newton said: “It’s great that the local community has access to such an amazing centre and I’m sure people of all abilities and interests will enjoy using it. The refurbishment is really impressive and will benefit the physical and mental health of so many people.”

Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “It was fantastic to celebrate the refurbishment with the local community and to see them enjoying a wide range of activities. The state-of-the-art facilities at this centre will enable us to serve the needs of local people for many years to come.”

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.

Visitors and regular members at Harborough 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.

Find the survey online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Harboroughleisure