A £650,000 refurbishment will transform the gym at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre next month, bringing state-of-the-art equipment, a redesigned layout and improved accessibility for thousands of local members.
The investment comes as the popular Hornchurch facility marks five years since opening its doors in 2021 with the centre now supporting more than 6,500 fitness members from across the borough.
The project is jointly funded by leisure operator Everyone Active and Havering Council.
The gym will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment and be fitted with a new range of Life Fitness cardio, resistance and strength machines, including treadmills, cross trainers and bikes, as well as new plate-loaded and pin-loaded machines, free weights, squat racks and lifting stations.
The layout of the gym floor will also be reconfigured to make better use of the available space and improve the overall flow between training areas.
To inform the refurbishment plans, a detailed utilisation survey was carried out using ‘TrackMyGym’ sensor technology attached to equipment across the gym floor. The survey recorded which machines were in highest demand and which were used less frequently. The findings, alongside feedback from members, have helped shape the final equipment mix and layout.
Accessibility has been a key consideration in the redesign. New wheelchair-accessible equipment will include a chest press, seated row and shoulder press, a SkiErg with a wide base and extended handles, a hand bike and additional accessible dual adjustable pulley (DAP) cable machines.
Alongside the new equipment, the entire gym will receive a full makeover, including modern flooring, upgraded lighting and refreshed décor designed to create a brighter, more motivating workout environment.
The gym will temporarily close from 30 March and reopen on 15 April. During this time, members will be able to use alternative facilities at Sapphire Ice and Leisure, Central Park Leisure Centre, Rainham Leisure Centre, Abbs Cross Leisure Centre, Becontree Heath Leisure Centre and The Brentwood Centre.
Tom Fletcher, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re thrilled to be making this significant investment at Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre as we celebrate five successful years since opening.
“Harrow Lodge supports more than 6,500 fitness members, and this refurbishment reflects both the demand we’re seeing and our commitment to continuing to invest in the facility.
“As well as installing brand-new equipment, we’re reconfiguring the layout to make better use of the space and increasing the amount of strength equipment to respond to higher demand in that area.
The changes will ensure the gym continues to meet the needs of our members now and in the future.”
Councillor Gillian Ford, Deputy Leader of Havering Council and Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Everyone Active on this major refurbishment, which will ensure Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre continues to offer first‑class facilities for our residents.
“Since opening five years ago, the centre has become a hugely valued community asset, supporting thousands of people to lead healthier, more active lives.
“This investment in our leisure facilities not only brings the latest fitness equipment to the borough, but also delivers a more accessible, inclusive and future‑proofed space for everyone - from beginners to experienced gym‑goers. We look forward to welcoming members back into a transformed gym this April.”
The rest of the centre will remain open as normal during the refurbishment. However, as the group cycling studio is accessed via the gym, it will be closed while works take place.