Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, has reopened following the completion of a £1.89m renovation funded by East Herts District Council (EHDC).

Work on the refurbishment programme at the Everyone Active centre, which is operated by SLM on behalf of the council, started in May 2009 to provide a new 85-station fitness suite and group exercise studio. The centre's gym, which has been enlarged from a 26-station facility, also provides a new studio space for dance classes, as well as offering pilates, yoga and body pump courses. Precor has supplied the equipment along with Power Plate and Trixter.

Desigs for the new-look gym were drawn up by HCD Architects on behalf of SLM, while contractor Phoenix carried out the renovation work. EHDC's refurbishment of Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre, which boasts a swimming pool, changing facilities and a meeting/training room, forms part of a leisure contract with Everyone Active signed in January 2009.

Linda Haysey, the council's executive member for community development, leisure and culture, said: "Whether you want to lose weight in the gym or get fit with a group class, the new facilities are both top quality and affordable." Centre manager Alison Norman added: "At Everyone Active it is our mission to help people achieve 30 minutes of activity five times a week. With the facilities that we now have available there is really no excuse for not being active on a regular basis."