Refurbishment works to modernise and expand Watford Leisure Centre – Central will begin on Monday 18 August 2025...
The £3 million project, jointly funded by Watford Borough Council (up to £2.5 million) and Everyone Active (approximately £560,000), will deliver significant improvements to the centre.
This includes enhancing capacity, accessibility, and the overall user experience for the local community.
With the public consultation, which helped to shape the final designs, now complete, the project is set to begin imminently.
Once complete, the newly refurbished centre will offer three high-quality studios: a mind and body studio, a multi-purpose fitness studio, and a fully upgraded spin studio featuring 30 new Keiser bikes, with immersive lighting and sound.
This expansion will enable the centre to enhance its existing programme and introduce a wider variety of group exercise classes.
A cutting-edge gym extension, with all new state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, will see the gym almost double in size, from 70 to 120 stations. Every area, from functional training and free weights to resistance and cardio, will be expanded and improved.
Accessibility is a central focus, with the centre set to nearly double its range of IFI-accredited gym equipment. Speed lanes will be introduced to enhance accessibility, alongside other improvements to offer a more inclusive experience.
To further improve the overall customer experience, the centre’s changing facilities will be upgraded, with plans for the male and female changing rooms to be fully refurbished.
Whilst the ground floor communal changing rooms will receive light refurbishment, including new shower and vanity areas.
A sleek new reception area will also be installed, featuring a new and modern grab-and-go catering offer, to support customers throughout the day.
Councillor Tim Williams, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Parks, said: “It’s great to see work starting soon on the improvements to Watford Leisure Centre – Central. This marks a significant investment in one of our town’s most valued community facilities.
"This upgrade will modernise the centre, improve the experience for users, and support the health and wellbeing of residents across Watford. It’s an important step in ensuring the leisure centre continues to meet local needs now and into the future.”
Karl Miles, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re incredibly excited to begin this next chapter for Watford Leisure Centre - Central. These works represent a major investment in the health and wellbeing of our community.
“By expanding and modernising key areas of the centre, we’re creating a more inclusive and dynamic environment for our customers. Whether it’s improved accessibility, more space to train, or a wider choice of classes – the refurbishment will ensure the centre continues to meet the evolving needs of the people we serve.”
For further information please visit: www.everyoneactive.com/watfordrefurb
