A £600,000 investment has been confirmed for Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside to upgrade its fitness offer and enhance the overall experience for members.

Everyone Active runs the Woodside and Central centres, acting as an agent for Watford Council with Watford Borough Council. Work is scheduled to start on Monday 30 March 2026 and marks the first significant overhaul since 2018, including a complete gym refresh with new state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment.

Functional training, free weights, resistance and cardio areas will be expanded and improved to give members a broader choice of workouts. The project is due to complete in spring 2026, allowing the community to benefit ahead of the busy summer period.

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A detailed 'Track My Gym' utilisation survey is underway to shape the final layout, ensuring the equipment mix reflects member preferences and makes the best use of space. During the works, a temporary gym will be set up in the sports hall so members can continue to train.

Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "We're already seeing positive feedback from the Watford Leisure Centre – Central investment, with residents responding positively to the many improvements we are bringing.

"This upgrade at Woodside builds on that momentum and shows our commitment to investing in high-quality leisure facilities across the town. By listening to people who use our centres, we're creating modern, welcoming spaces that help residents stay active and healthy."

Iain Milton, contract manager for Everyone Active, said: "We're incredibly excited about this investment and what it will mean for our members.

"These upgrades will not only create a more modern and welcoming environment but also completely transform the gym experience for our members, making Woodside an inspiring place to get active. We can’t wait for our customers to experience the improved facilities."