Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has praised the impressive refurbishment of South Holderness Leisure Centre in Preston following a recent visit.
Graham was welcomed by Centre Manager Stuart Armstrong, who guided him through the newly upgraded facilities. He was joined on the visit by Mid Holderness ward councillor, Samantha Whyte, and South West Holderness councillor, Sue Steel.
In May 2024, South Holderness Leisure Centre underwent a £150,000 refurbishment. This included a brand-new reception area and a state-of-the-art fitness suite, featuring cutting-edge exercise equipment. Before-and-after photos shown to Graham and the councillors showcased the dramatic improvements, and Graham was given the opportunity to test some of the new weights and resistance machines they have purchased with these funds.
The fitness suite has also been enhanced with heavier weights to encourage people interested in bodybuilding to attend, and air conditioning has been installed to make the gym easier to use in the Summer. Stuart has also extended the Centre’s opening hours, now until 9pm, to help users fit their exercise sessions around their working day.
The upgrades, funded by Sport England, have enabled the centre to maintain its membership fees, starting at £14 per month for a basic afternoon package. The improvements have led them to them more than tripling their membership figures, which has increased from 140 to over 600 people in recent months.
During his visit, Graham also learned about the plans Stuart and his team have for the future of the centre, which include improved changing facilities, a classroom for essential courses such as First Aid and lifeguard training, and a further expansion of the gym to meet the growing demand. This will be possible thanks to another £90,000 which will be spent on the centre later this year.
Graham Stuart MP said: "It was fantastic to visit South Holderness Leisure Centre and see the outstanding improvements that Stuart and his team have delivered. The investment in state-of-the-art facilities is making a real difference to the community, giving more people the opportunity to get fit, socialise, and lead a healthier lifestyle. With their ambitious plans for the future, the centre is on an exciting path, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to develop."
Stuart Armstrong, Manager at South Holderness Leisure Centre, added, "We were thrilled to welcome Graham to the leisure centre and show him the improvements and additions we’ve made to the facility. Improving the health and fitness of local people is our main goal here, and I’d like to encourage both old and new members to come along, try out the new facilities and enjoy getting fit.”
