The works are phase one of a multi-million-pound refurbishment at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre, which began in November 2025.
Staff and stakeholders in the ribbon-cutting ceremony (Image: Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre)
The revamped facility includes the latest equipment, full redecoration, and a new E-gym featuring smart fitness technology.
The health suite now includes a modern sauna, steam room, and a new solarium.
Alfie Beck, a member from Thurston, said: “I love the gym here now with all the new equipment — there’s some really high-technology pieces and I find that it’s never too busy, so you can always get on the equipment. I also use the sauna and steam room, which is so nice after a workout.”
Alfie Beck using the weight machines (Image: Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre)
A visitor to the gym, Nicky Calder from Horringer, said: “I really like the new gym layout, especially the functional fitness area. We’re actually on a family membership, which is such good value — our two kids use the swimming lessons and junior gym, and they come with my husband and me to do workouts as well, so it’s a real family affair.”
The improvements are part of a broader investment aimed at enhancing health and wellbeing opportunities across the community.
In addition to the public-facing upgrades, significant work has taken place behind the scenes to improve the centre’s sustainability.
Nicki Calder is using the functional fitness area (Image: Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre)
West Suffolk Council has installed a new substation to support the transition away from fossil-fuel heating to electrical energy production systems, following a grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
This project has been supported by a grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Rosie Mason, vice chairman of Abbeycroft’s trustees, officially opened the new facilities.
Ms Mason said: “It was a privilege to officially open these wonderful new facilities, and this redevelopment is a great example of how investment in sustainability and wellbeing can go hand in hand.
“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be active and lead a healthier, happier life, and that’s exactly what this investment is about.
“Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just taking your first steps towards a more active lifestyle, these modern, welcoming facilities lower barriers and give more people the chance to get involved.
“This is a fantastic day for Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding communities.”
A spokesman for West Suffolk Council said the project would benefit both the public and the environment.
The spokesman said: “We are really pleased with how the refurbishment and decarbonisation work is progressing at the leisure centre.
“The upgrades to the equipment and facilities will hopefully better meet the needs of local people, and the decarbonisation work will decrease the environmental impact of the centre, as well as reduce exposure to increases in energy costs.”
The refurbishment has been delivered in collaboration with Abbeycroft Leisure and Pulse Fitness.
Customer being shown the new EGym equipment (Image: Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre)
Marie Benney, regional sales manager east at Pulse Fitness, said the project required “close collaboration” between multiple teams and partners.
She said: “Abbeycroft’s commitment to providing industry-leading equipment and creating a welcoming, high-quality training environment is wonderful to see, helping reduce barriers and making it accessible across Bury St Edmunds and the surrounding communities.
“Huge thank you to all our partners involved.”
A digital render of how the pool will look (Image: Supplied)
Work at the centre is ongoing, with phase two currently underway.
This next stage covers upgrades to the main pool, learner pool, leisure pool, wet-side changing rooms, showers, and the sports hall.
Phase three is anticipated to begin at the end of May and will focus on the entrance, café, soft play area, accessible changing, and the wellness centre.
This final phase is expected to be completed in October 2026.