Development works kick off at Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex following £6m investment

DEVELOPMENT works has begun at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex following Places Leisure’s £6m investment in facilities.

At the beginning of April, Elmbridge Borough Council awarded Places Leisure the new leisure management operator contract until 2033.

The new contract will allow the council and Places Leisure to build on their already well-established partnership which dates back more than 30 years.

The new contract includes the running of the Xcel Leisure Centre, Hurst Pool and Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub on behalf of the Council.

Councillor Simon Waugh, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “The enhancement to the facilities will bring substantial benefits to residents and we will be following the development works closely to inform you about their progress.

“It is important to us to be able to offer high quality, affordable and sustainable facilities for residents to enjoy. Our partnership with Places Leisure will play an important part in the delivery of our Elmbridge Vision 30 as we are working towards a thriving Elmbridge.

“We cannot wait to see these new facilities being used and enjoyed by the community.”

As part of the new contract, Places Leisure has pledged to deliver more energy efficient, affordable facilities and committed to a £6m investment package into further improving the Xcel leisure complex.

This investment includes a new dedicated luxury health suite, immersive cycling studio, new climbing wall, an extension to the existing fitness suite, a Costa Coffee store and a new soft play area. The new development works commence later in the year. The extended and new facilities will be an exciting addition to the Xcel leisure complex, already a popular venue with one million customers visiting every year for a wide range of activities.

This includes exercise classes, junior sports and sessions, a health referral scheme for rehabilitation, in addition to the gym and pool.

Following Places Leisure’s extensive investment programme, visitors will also have access to a wider choice of exercise and leisure opportunities.

The enhanced facilities will remain accessible to all our residents, including those in receipt of benefits, as Places Leisure will continue to provide a comprehensive concessionary pricing policy.

Dan Walker, business development director for Places Leisure, added: “We are delighted to soon be kicking off our development programme at the Xcel leisure complex.

“We have based our improvement plans on our experience operating 100 leisure facilities across the UK, and we look forward to opening the improved and extended facilities to Elmbridge residents in the coming months. Works will also be phased to minimise disruption for customers.

“The enhanced facilities will give customers further opportunities to try new forms of exercise, and encourage more residents to visit facilities and feel the full benefits on their health and wellbeing.”