WORK has starteed on a £300,000 upgrade on the gym and fitness area at Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre.

The centre’s gym, steam room and sauna will closed Sunday, August 4, for a two-week refurbishment programme.

However, all other attractions at the centre, such as the swimming pool, fitness studio, 3G pitch and changing rooms, will remain open as usual, offering plenty of summer holiday activities.

The revamped steam room and sauna are scheduled to re-open on Monday, August 19, followed by the new-look and enhanced gym on Wednesday, August 21.

The gym upgrade incudes installation of new state-of-the-art equipment which is not offered by any other fitness providers in the area.

New kit will feature wi-fi-enabled on-board entertainment including live TV, music stations, in-built apps, games and wireless phone connections. This will allow users to pair their device to the station to gain vital signs and track their work-out via their own smart phone.

Other new equipment will include the very-latest products on the fitness market such as Climbmills, Skillrows, Skillbike and Skierg equipment.

The gym and fitness area will also be given a great new look with smoked oak flooring, colourful wall graphics, bespoke work-out areas and an expanded free weights area.

The centre's general manager Julie Alston said: “We are really looking forward to the new gym facilities. We are continually striving to offer the latest innovations and best possible customer experience, which is why this particular investment and refurbishment project is so important.

“Saddleworth Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility and the gym area has always been especially popular.

"Our member’s needs, along with our offering, has changed over time so this is now the ideal time to match those requirements with state-of-the-art equipment. These new facilities will help people to work-out in an exciting and more-engaging manner.

“Looking ahead, we are extending our opening times from Monday, September 2, and introducing a more-varied class and pool timetable to better-cater for customer needs.”

Once the gym refurbishments are complete, there will be an open day where both members and non-members will be able to take part in a variety of fun challenges and activities to get accustomed to the new kit and classes available.