Team GB sprinter and television personality Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be the star attraction at a free family community day in Watford, marking the completion of its £3 million refurbishment...
The Commonwealth gold medallist will join local residents at Watford Leisure Centre - Central on Sunday March 1, 2026, to celebrate the leisure centre’s recent transformation.
Running from 10am to 4pm, the community day will feature a huge array of free activities, with something from everyone.
Harry will be attending from 10am to 2pm, meeting visitors, testing out the new gym equipment, and taking part in fitness challenges.
During the day, visitors can enjoy free access to the gym facilities and exercise classes, alongside complimentary personal training sessions, taster sessions for multiple activities, and swimming sessions, alongside children's entertainment including face painting.
The open day marks the completion of the leisure centre’s £3 million refurbishment. The transformed facility now features three high-quality studios, including a cutting-edge spin studio equipped with 28 Keiser bikes and immersive lighting and sound.
Most notably, the gym has been significantly expanded to almost double its previous size and now offers a wider range of state-of-the-art equipment, including enhanced IFI-accredited options to improve accessibility for all users.
Throughout the building, members will also experience fully upgraded changing facilities and refreshed interiors, creating a brighter, more inclusive leisure centre.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “From Commonwealth gold medallist and Strictly star to Gladiators, Harry has done it all, and it’s fantastic to have him joining us for our family community day in Watford as we showcase the £3 million refurbishment of our much-loved leisure centre.
“This investment is all about giving residents the very best: brighter, more inclusive spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, and facilities that support people of all ages to live active, healthy lives. I’m delighted to see the transformation taking shape and look forward to welcoming our community to enjoy everything the renewed centre has to offer.”
Iain Milton, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We're thrilled to welcome Harry to Watford Leisure Centre – Central to mark the completion of our £3 million refurbishment. As someone who lives and breathes fitness, he'll be putting our new state-of-the-art gym equipment through its paces and bringing his trademark energy and enthusiasm to the day.
"This community day is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to experience our incredible new facilities firsthand. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned gym-goer, we have something for everyone."
More information can be found here: £3 Million Refurbishment Project at Watford Leisure Centre – Central - Everyone Active
