Cotswold District Council's Cabinet has recommended a £360,000 investment to improve the council-owned gyms in the Cotswolds.

Cllr Jenny Forde, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "I am so pleased we are investing in our residents' health and wellbeing, particularly as we recover from the pandemic. The replacement of gym equipment will improve the gym experience for everyone. The feedback from residents is reflected in the choices we have made.

"The investment in equipment will play a major role in rejuvenating interest in the much wider community and it will also provide more workout options for people wanting to become active, lose weight, get fit and improve their general wellbeing - increasing overall activity levels in the Cotswolds."

Improvements will be made in the council-owned Cirencester, Bourton-on-the-water, and Chipping Campden leisure centres. Brand new state of the art fitness equipment will be purchased, providing a top quality gym experience to members at the council owned gyms.

The new fitness equipment will be more energy efficient, reducing the power demand from the leisure centre's equipment, helping to tackle the climate crisis. The new design of gym spaces will also reflect the rising trend in 'functional' fitness training, focusing on more functional fitness space and less on cardio machines.

The café at Cirencester will also be upgraded, improving the whole leisure experience for our residents.

A survey was conducted in 2020, as part of the Leisure Strategy the Council has adopted, which was completed by over 1000 residents. The results suggested that 'improved facilities' were an encouragement factor that would make people more likely to use the leisure centres.

Cotswold District Council said it is working with SLM Everyone Active (SLM) who manage the gyms to source the new gym equipment.

Whilst these improvements are being completed there will be temporary gym equipment in Cirencester and Bourton-on-the-water.

These plans were agreed by the Cotswold District Council Cabinet at their meeting on April 4 and will be going to Full Council on May 25 for a final decision.