Pools on the Park's latest upgrade has improved the popular leisure centre for residents, providing modern, welcoming spaces to stay active and enjoy a wider range of activities.

Unveiled this week by Councillors Alan Juriansz and Julia Neden-Watts, the improvements include a brand-new multi-purpose studio – doubling capacity for popular spin classes and other activities – and refurbished café toilets, improving the experience for those who use the facilities and safeguarding the integrity of the building.

Councillors say the investment forms part of a wider drive to promote healthier, more active communities. By upgrading facilities, the Council says it "is ensuring residents of all ages have access to safe, high-quality, and attractive spaces for sport, exercise, and wellbeing".

The improvements also help the centre meet growing demand and maintain its role as a key hub for leisure in the borough.

Councillor Alan Juriansz, Lead Member for Sport, said: "This is the start of significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our communities.

"By upgrading Pools on the Park, we're creating more space, more opportunities, and better facilities for residents to stay active. It's about making it easier for everyone to take part – now and in the future."

Pools on the Park has a new upgrade (Credit: Richmond Council)

These latest works are part of a wider investment in the centre. Proposed improvements include refurbishment of the gym area and changing rooms, improvements to swimming pool area and sauna and steam provision.

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Simon Sen, GLL's Director of Operations, said: "GLL and Richmond Council are very much aligned in seeing good quality leisure facilities as key to public health and wellbeing.

"We are an experienced operator that adds value to public services because our operating model reinvests our surpluses. This is just the beginning. Leisure customers will notice further improvements to come in the look and feel of facilities and programmes going forward."

Pools on the Park has been operated by charitable social enterprise GLL since October last year under a 10-year contract.

Richmond Council says its "investment ensures the centre continues to meet the needs of the community, providing modern spaces for sport, fitness, and wellbeing for years to come – and it has seen a 14% growth in pre-paid members in the first five months of the new arrangement".