A refurbishment to transform Stratford Leisure Centre will begin next week, as work to improve the town's fitness facilities continues.

The centre, run by award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Stratford-on-Avon District Council, will receive a £175,000 refurbishment from Monday 17 August to modernise its gym facility.

The state-of-the-art gym refurbishment will feature brand-new Life Fitness equipment and provide members with an improved environment to stay active and reach their fitness goals.

The 100-station gym will include kit for functional training, resistance and cardio - from treadmills, cross-trainers, watt bikes, SkiErg machines, multi-press and pulldown machines to new free weights.

Plate loaded equipment such as glute drive kit will also be on offer, in addition to an Olympic incline bench strength training station with weight storage.

The refurbishment follows a major investment into the centre's revamped sauna and steam room and health suite earlier this year, alongside a makeover to its cycle studio which saw 33 new Keiser spin bikes installed and a new music system for immersive workouts.

The centre opened a popular brand-new soft play facility in May, offering a play-based environment for children aged up to eight years.

The gym will be temporarily closed from Monday 17 August and is set to reopen on the following week. The rest of the facilities at the centre will remain open during the works and be unaffected by the temporary gym closures.

Richard Bell, area contract manager at Everyone Active, said: "These exciting works represent a continued major investment in the health and wellbeing of our local community, so people of all ages and abilities can enjoy getting active and feel inspired to lead healthier lives.

"By modernising our gym area, we're creating improved and inclusive environments for our customers. Whether it's enhanced spaces to train or a wider choice of classes, the refurbishments will ensure the centres continue to meet the evolving needs of local people."

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "We are delighted to support this latest investment in Stratford Leisure Centre, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality leisure facilities for residents across the District.

"These improvements will enhance the gym experience for existing members and help encourage more people to be active, improving both their physical and mental wellbeing. The refurbishment builds on the recent upgrades already delivered at the centre and ensures Stratford Leisure Centre continues to offer modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our communities now and in the future."

"We would like to thank customers for their patience during the short period of disruption and look forward to welcoming them back to the upgraded gym."

During the refurbishments, Everyone Active members will be able to use other facilities in  Stratford-on-Avon District including The Greig Leisure Centre, Southam Leisure Centre, Shipston Leisure Centre and Studley Leisure Centre.