TWO leisure centres have been kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment as part of a £700,000 investment and an extra £300,000 set to be spent in coming months.

Operator Fusion Lifestyle has carried out a complete overhaul of equipment at both Rayleigh Leisure Centre and Clements Hall Leisure Centre, Hawkwell, to the delight of leisure centre users.

Identical state-of-the-art equipment has been added to both centres including spin bikes, cardiovascular machines, fixed weight resistances machines, free weights, and functional training equipment.

All equipment at both sites are also accessible as part of a strategy to offer an inclusive leisure service.

Next up, Fusion is set to replace the main sports hall floor at Clements Hall Leisure Centre, with councillor Julie Gooding stating this will take the investment up to £1million.

The main sports hall floor in Clements Hall Leisure Centre is the next investment.

She said: “During the pandemic the council supported its leisure provider to protect jobs and to secure future investment in our leisure facilities.

“We have been forward thinking, recognising that once we emerged from the pandemic access to high quality leisure facilities would be even more vital to support the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

“Having used this equipment myself, I am pleased to say that it rivals anything that more expensive private sector competitors can offer.

“It is a clear demonstration of the council’s commitment to the health and well-being of our residents.”

Work on the new sports hall floor is set to take around two weeks and will be completed by the end of the year, Fusion say.

Mrs Gooding added the sports floor being replaced will make a huge difference at the centre.

She said “The old floor has a few damaged areas which have been taped or spot repaired not as smooth as I would like to see.

“Having lived and used the centre for 40-plus years, and still using it for our volleyball sessions each week, I have noticed it has significantly deteriorated; therefore, having a new floor will be safer and smarter.

“I believe the new spring floor and court markings will make a huge difference for hall users.”