Tees Active has completed a major £1million investment to extend and refurbish its gym in Billingham Forum, as part of its commitment to changing the face of fitness across Stockton-on-Tees.
The redevelopment includes £300,000 of brand-new equipment, an expansion to increase the gym floor space by 50 per cent and a new dedicated studio for group exercise classes.
The investment, supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, will take the facilities in Billingham to the next level providing high-quality, modern facilities while maintaining exceptional value for money and accessibility for all. It reinforces Tees Active’s belief that people should not have to compromise on quality or experience when choosing a fitness provider.
And to mark the official opening on Saturday, December 7, a free open weekend was held allowing residents and members to explore the new, enhanced gym and studio spaces.
Leon Jones, Managing Director of Tees Active, said: “People deserve more than budget gyms or overpriced memberships, and these upgrades deliver exactly that – premium facilities and outstanding service at a price that’s affordable.
“Tees Active is a charitable trust who reinvest every penny back into our services, and this latest development underpins our commitment to providing the very best experience for our members without compromise.
“We’re not aware of any public sector gyms anywhere offering the style and quality that we have achieved in Billingham, and we’re proud to be raising the standards of what residents should expect from their local facilities.
“This project represents a significant investment in our community and a commitment to creating a future where everyone can enjoy an exceptional fitness experience.”
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of our residents is a key Council priority which is why this investment reflects our shared commitment to creating opportunities for local people to live active, healthy lives.
“With the extended gym floor space and new dedicated studio for group exercise classes these modern facilities offer greater choice and will enable more people to stay active.
“Billingham Forum is at the heart of the community, and this expansion and refurbishment not only enhances its extensive fitness offer but future-proofs it for years to come.
Nadine Corner, Health and Wellbeing Manager at Tees Active, said: “We’ve listened to our members about what they wanted to see and the feedback we’ve had so far is fantastic.
“The extra space, new equipment and new studio have opened up more opportunities for members to train how they want – and that’s exactly what we were aiming for.
“The look and feel of the space is totally different to other local gyms and everyone has spoken positively about the improvements – it’s a bold statement and it’s clear that the investment will make a real impact.”
The upgraded gym features a full suite of cutting-edge equipment, underpinning Tees Active’s belief that high quality facilities should be available to everybody – not just to those paying premium membership fees.
Memberships also include multi-site use of three other gyms, four swimming pools and the largest fitness class timetable in the area.
This investment builds Tees Active’s long-term commitment to strengthening public leisure and ensuring that local people receive a fitness experience that is second to none – regardless of whether they choose a public or private provider.
