More than 800 visitors flocked to Watford Leisure Centre - Central on Sunday for a free family community day featuring Team GB athlete and TV personality Harry Aikines-Aryeetey...
The celebratory event marked the completion of the leisure centre’s impressive £3 million refurbishment, which is operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Watford Borough Council.
The Commonwealth gold medallist spent four hours at the event showcasing the centre's newly renovated fitness facilities and engaging with local residents.
Speaking on the day, Harry commented: “The newly refurbished Watford Leisure Centre – Central is absolutely amazing. I am so impressed - I came here expecting a lot, but my expectations have been blown out of the water. The atmosphere here at the open day has been amazing. I love a party and it really is just that. There is something for everyone - it’s a great vibe!”
The packed event saw residents flock to the centre to check out the brand-new gym, studio facilities for spin and group exercise, alongside further upgrades, with free access available throughout the day.
With such a vast array of free activities on offer, local residents were spoilt for choice and many took part in one or more of the free sessions, with Group Cycle and Body Balance proving popular.
A special Shred and Tone class, complete with a live DJ set, was fully booked and participants were in for an extra surprise when Harry Aikines-Aryeetey made a guest appearance, jumping in to join the high-energy workout and adding to the electric atmosphere.
56 residents took advantage of free family swimming sessions, while another 264 participants joined a variety of group exercise classes throughout the day, ranging from high-energy Body Pump to calming Yoga sessions.
Children were entertained throughout the day with face painting alongside bouncy castle sessions, meet and greets with our Active Monsters mascots, and much more.
Iain Milton, Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: "The turnout for our community fun day exceeded our expectations, with hundreds of local residents coming to experience our newly refurbished state-of-the-art facilities.
“Harry brought his trademark energy and enthusiasm to the event, spending time meeting visitors and putting our new equipment through its paces.
“As an elite athlete, his seal of approval for our upgraded gym and studio facilities means a lot, and it was fantastic to welcome him to our site.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was electric, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate our enhanced centre to the community."
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “It was fantastic to see so many residents coming together to celebrate the major transformation at Watford Leisure Centre – Central.
“The £3 million refurbishment is a huge investment in local health and wellbeing. This bigger and better gym, with high-quality studios and improved accessibility, is a welcoming space where residents of all ages can improve their health, build confidence and connect with others.
“It was great to have Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with us. His visit highlighted the importance of accessible and outstanding facilities that can support everyone, from those taking their first steps into fitness to aspiring elite athletes.”
Watford Central’s major investment includes a fully refurbished gym with brand-new Life Fitness and Hammer Strength equipment, expanded training and recovery zones, modernised group exercise and cycling studios, alongside a new wellness studio and changing areas - all designed to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.
Harry is an ambassador for Everyone Active's Sporting Champions programme, a talent development initiative that provides promising athletes with free access to training facilities.
Having trained at his local Everyone Active centre in South London for over a decade, he is passionate about supporting the next generation of athletes through both world-class facilities and mentoring. Applications for the next intake will open in Spring 2026.
