Big improvements planned for Rugeley Leisure Centre

WLCT, Cannock Chase Council's leisure and culture partner, have submitted a planning application to extend the gym and introduce a new Profiles Health and Fitness Centre at the site.

If approved, the new gym extension will add an extra 130 square metres on to the existing floor space of the gym creating a 379 square metres space which will be kitted out with 80 pieces of the latest state-of-the-art Technogym equipment.

Work on the new Profiles Health and Fitness Centre could start later this year if planning permission is granted and would take around four months. Existing facilities would be transferred to the sports hall while the work is taking place.

In April this year WLCT, were awarded a 10-year contract to manage leisure and culture in Cannock Chase. The new partnership will deliver over £2 million of investment in services over the period of the contract

Since the new Profiles Health and Fitness Centre opened at Cannock Chase Leisure Centre in February memberships and visitor numbers have hit new heights.

More than 17,000 people visited the centre between January and March 2012, a rise of 5,000 compared to the same period last year.

A new state-of-the-art all weather pitch has also recently opened at Rugeley Leisure Centre.

Cllr Christine Mitchell, Cannock Chase Council Culture and Sport Leader, said: "Helping people to enjoy active and healthy lifestyles is a priority for the Council and we're working with our partner, WLCT to achieve this. The exciting new extension to the gym facilities at Rugeley Leisure Centre is yet another example of what this new partnership and the extra investment can deliver for the people of Cannock Chase."

Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT, said: "This investment is part of our 10 year plan to improve the leisure and culture offer in Cannock Chase. When work is completed Rugeley will have a top of the range health and fitness facility with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment."