Olympians and Paralympians open £33m sports centre

7 hours ago

Louise ParryBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Steve Watkins cut the ribbon alongside Colin Jackson, Maisie Summers-Newton and Olivia Newman-Baronius

Central Bedfordshire Council Four people stand behind the white ribbon which is branded with "everyone active" and "Central Bedfordshire Council." They are: Steve Watkins, Colin Jackson, Maisie Summers-Newton and Olivia Newman-Baronius. The councillor holds the scissors open. On either side of them, and across the entrance doors, are pastel coloured balloon arches. — Steve Watkins cut the ribbon alongside Colin Jackson, Maisie Summers-Newton and Olivia Newman-Baronius

More than 3,500 people attended the opening of a £33.9m leisure centre where Olympic and Paralympic stars cut the ribbon.

The facility in Leighton Buzzard, which was funded by Central Bedfordshire Council and will be operated by Everyone Active, includes three pools, a 150-station gym and squash courts.

It was officially opened on Saturday by athlete Colin Jackson and Paralympic swimming champions Maisie Summers-Newton and Olivia Newman-Baronius.

Newman-Baronius, who comes from Leighton Buzzard, said: "It's really nice to have this as my new local training spot for the gym."

James Burridge/BBC Olivia Newman-Baronius, who is wearing a blue top, smiles in a picture taken at the side of a swimming pool — Swimmer Olivia Newman-Baronius is looking forward to using the centre's gym facilities

People attending the ceremony were invited to join free activities, tours of the building and family entertainment, including a live set by local musician DJ Steady.

Former hurdler Jackson said the centre was "incredible".

"There's a buzz and an atmosphere, people here can't get enough of it," he said.

Newman-Baronius added: "The gym has had a massive upgrade: it looks like it has a nice area for core work, and lots of cardio machines.

"I had a peep at the reformer beds which look really lovely, and hydro beds – perfect for recovery when you've been in the gym."

The new site replaces Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and also offers a cafe, group exercise, cycling and reformer Pilates studios, community rooms and meeting spaces.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "It was fantastic to see so many people come along over the weekend to celebrate the opening of this brilliant new centre.

"There was a real buzz on the day, from families trying out activities to meeting our Olympic and Paralympic guests, it really felt like a special moment for the community."

Everyone Active The inside of the centre, with crowds of people inside the corridor. Above the corridor you can see windows onto the gym, with fitness machines. — Large crowds gathered at the opening of the centre, which has been designed to be inclusive and accessible

Steven Watkins, the executive member for assets, business and housing at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "We are proud to officially open our fifth new leisure centre.

"The facilities here are outstanding, with something for everyone, whether you're getting active, trying something new or simply coming along to enjoy the space.

"We hope it will become a real hub for local people and be enjoyed for many years to come."

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