New Barnet Leisure Centre, in the heart of the local community within Victoria Recreation Ground will operate as a cashless facility and features a range of new modern innovations. Residents can now enjoy access to a learner pool, 25m six-lane community pool, café, health and fitness suite, two studios, two health improvement rooms, a partnership library, outdoor tennis courts, a multi-use games area, and a new and improved area for children and young people. An on-site library will open on Tuesday 24 September, replacing East Barnet Library.

The new play area located outside the leisure centre includes a roundabout, junior and toddler swings, climbing frames, musical play and a children’s fitness trail.

Councillor Sachin Rajput, Lead Member for Sport and Physical Activity, said: “This has been an extremely exciting project, and I’m delighted to see it come to fruition. We are fortunate to have been able to invest so much in the creation and development of such top-notch facilities for our borough. This is something we should all be proud of. I hope our residents can enjoy these facilities for many years to come.”

While Barnet Council has put £44.9million into the construction of two leisure centres in New Barnet and Barnet Copthall, fitness provider Better has put £2.4million into regenerating existing facilities.

Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre houses a learner pool, 25m six-lane community pool, 25m eight-lane competition pool, five-court sports hall, health and fitness suite, three health improvement rooms, group exercise studios and cafe.

Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Dan Thomas, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to invest in the health of our residents at a time when councils are making savings.  This new leisure centre is another example of how the council is investing in community facilities, ensuring Barnet remains a great place to enjoy sport and fitness.”

New gym equipment and new nursery and creche facilities have been introduced at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, which has also received a much-needed makeover to the changing rooms. What’s more, its 3G artificial grass pitch has been resurfaced.

New equipment has been added to the expanded gym at Hendon Leisure Centre – which also has an improved climbing wall and modern changing facilities. The gym at Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has been expanded too, with additional improvements made to its on-site air circulation systems and boilers, boosting energy efficiency.

The council has also created a free Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Card for residents, offering a range of benefits and activity incentives. Examples include up to 50% off activity prices, free swimming for children under 8, swimming for just £1 for children aged 8-15, and much more. More than 20,000 people have signed up for it so far. If you live in Barnet and you haven’t already, please sign up for yours at: www.better.org.uk/fab-cardExternal link

In addition to the FAB Card, the FAB Hub gives residents a place where they can find a range of borough-wide health and fitness activities on one website: www.better.org.uk/fab-hubExternal link

You can find out more about Barnet Copthall and New Barnet leisure centres by using the ‘find centre’ function at www.better.org.uk

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