Waterlooville Gym Refurb: What’s Coming This Summer

Written by Abigael Wilson

Big changes are coming to Waterlooville.

This summer, we’re transforming the gym across all three floors to create a completely new training experience. This isn’t a small update or a few new pieces of kit. It’s a full rebuild of the space, designed to give you more choice, better flow, and a gym that feels as good as it performs.

What’s changing?

We’re upgrading every part of the gym so it works better for everyone, whether you’re just getting started or already in a routine.

Here’s what you can expect:

- Brand new cardio equipment on the mid floor

- A full strength upgrade on the bottom floor, including both pin-loaded and plate-loaded machines

- A completely refreshed free weights area with new racks and layout

- A 10 metre sprint track on the top floor, alongside self-powered cardio and functional equipment

- A dedicated glute training zone designed to support targeted strength work

- A full redesign of the space, including new flooring, lighting, sound and overall look and feel

Everything has been planned to make the gym easier to use, more enjoyable to train in, and better suited to how our members actually move.

When is this happening?

The refurbishment will take place across a two week period in summer. Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time.

During this period, the gym area at Waterlooville will be temporarily closed while the work is completed.

What does this mean for you?

While the gym is closed:

- You’ll still be able to use the rest of the centre as normal

- You’ll have access to Havant Leisure Centre if you’d like to continue your gym routine

We know any disruption isn’t ideal, but this is a short-term change for a long-term upgrade, and we’ll keep everything as smooth as possible while the work takes place.

Why we’re doing this

Our goal has always been to give our communities access to facilities that genuinely support their health and wellbeing.

This refurbishment is about bringing Waterlooville in line with where the industry is now, and where it’s heading, while making sure our members have a space they feel comfortable, confident and motivated in.

It’s also about creating a gym that works for everyone, whether you’re building strength, improving fitness, or just finding your way back into a routine.

What happens next?

This is just the start.

We’ll be sharing more updates over the coming weeks, including confirmed closure dates and further details on what to expect.

For now, nothing changes in your day-to-day use of the gym.

This is just the beginning

When the doors reopen, Waterlooville will feel completely different.

More space.
Better equipment.
A layout that works with you.

Everything designed to help you get more from your time in the gym.

We can’t wait to show you what’s coming.

FAQs

What areas of the gym are being upgraded?

All three gym floors will be refurbished, including:

Brand-new equipment

New flooring

Full redecoration and painting

New lighting

Updated layouts and training zones

This is a full gym refurbishment apart from the express circuit area on the mid floor.

Will there be any temporary closures?

Only the gym at Waterlooville Leisure Centre will be temporarily closed, with all other areas remaining open as usual. While the works take place, you’re welcome to use the gym at Havant, which is included in your membership and just a short drive away.

Will the gym stay open during the refurbishment?

No — due to the scale of the refurbishment and our aim to complete the works as quickly as possible, the Waterlooville gym will temporarily close during the project.

The rest of the centre will remain open as normal, including swimming, classes, reception and café areas. Members will also be able to use Horizon Havant Centre during this period in line with their membership access.

Why are you refurbishing the gym now?

Summer is traditionally one of our quieter periods, which helps minimise disruption for members. It also allows Horizon Havant Centre to better accommodate additional member usage during the temporary closure.

Will the gym be busier after the refurbishment?

The upgraded layout has been designed to improve flow and create a more spacious, functional training environment. With clearer zones and additional equipment, members will find it easier to move around and train comfortably, even during busy times.

Are you extending the gym?

The overall floor space will remain the same. However, the new layout makes much better use of the space, allowing for more equipment, larger training areas and a smoother experience throughout the gym.

Are you getting new treadmills?

Yes. The refurbished gym will include 12 new low-impact treadmills, as well as 4 curved treadmills for more advanced training.

What’s a curved treadmill?

Curved treadmills are self-powered, meaning you control the speed with your movement. They’re great for sprint training, intervals and performance workouts, but completely optional to use.

Will there be new cardio machines?

Yes. The new gym will include a wide range of updated cardio equipment, including treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, stepmills, rowers and more, giving members plenty of choice.

Will there be StairMasters?

Yes. The gym will include 4 stepmills as part of the new cardio offering.

Are the new cardio machines suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. The gym will continue to cater for all levels, with plenty of easy-to-use equipment alongside more advanced options for those who want to challenge themselves.

Are all the strength machines being replaced?

The strength area is receiving a major upgrade, with a wide range of new pin-loaded and plate-loaded equipment to support all types of training.

Will there be more squat racks?

Yes. The new layout includes additional racks with integrated lifting platforms to support strength training.

Are you expanding the free weights area?

Yes. There will be a significantly larger free weights area, with more benches, racks, dumbbells and space to train comfortably.

What weights will be available?

The new gym will offer a wide range of dumbbells, barbells and plates to suit all abilities, from beginners through to experienced lifters.

Will beginners still feel comfortable in the new gym?

Definitely. While the gym is expanding its strength and functional areas, there will still be plenty of accessible equipment and space for those newer to the gym.

Are you adding a sled track?

Yes. The new gym will include dedicated sled track lanes as part of a larger functional training area.

What functional equipment is being added?

The refurbishment introduces a range of functional equipment including rigs, sleds, plyo boxes, air bikes and more, designed to support modern training styles.

Is the gym becoming more HYROX-style?

The upgraded space has been designed to support a wider variety of training styles, including functional and HYROX-inspired workouts, while still catering to all members.

Will members be able to use the functional area freely?

Yes. Outside of any coached sessions, members will be able to use the equipment as part of their own workouts.

Will there still be equipment suitable for older adults or rehabilitation?

Yes. Supporting all members remains a priority, and the gym will continue to include accessible, low-impact and rehabilitation-friendly equipment.

Is there space for recovery and mobility work?

Yes. The new layout includes dedicated areas for stretching, mobility and functional movement.

Will the gym look different?

Yes. The refurbishment will completely transform the space with a more modern look and feel, including updated lighting, improved layouts and clearer training zones.

Will there be more space between equipment?

Yes. The new design focuses on better spacing, wider walkways and a more comfortable training environment.

Will there be more space for lifting?

Yes. Strength training areas have been significantly expanded to give members more room and better access to equipment.