A new gym funded by the South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has opened at the dual-use Friary Grange Leisure Centre in Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The project, located on the grounds of the Friary School, received £51,000 from the PCT towards equipment from ZigZag and a £46,000 Section 106 grant from developers building in the area to convert an under-used squash court to house the gym.

A mezzanine floor was added to the court to double its space. The interactive gym is located on the top floor, and features ZigZag’s portable Xer-Dance platforms and three Sportwalls.

The gym, which can now cater for up to 30 people, can also be used for spinning classes. The new development also includes a multipurpose room; two squash courts remain on the site.

The new gym will be available to the Friary School along with other primary and secondary schools and specialist groups.

Evening and weekend programmes such as the local swimming club’s land training, women-only classes and special needs and disability sessions will be developed.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre, which already runs programmes such as GP referral, cardiac rehabilitation, a mental health scheme and a Play on Prescription scheme, will partner with the PCT to target specialist groups including older people and children, and tackle conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

“Initially the squash players were disappointed, but it has worked out to our advantage as the remaining courts are full every night—the players just have to book in advance,” said Lichfield District Council area manager Phil Kelly.

The fact that the new gym can cater for up to 30 people at once “will make a huge difference to our income levels and help support the sustainability of the centre,” he said.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre, run by the Lichfield District Council, also has a 25m pool, a five-court sports hall, a crèche, a second multipurpose room, and an IFI-accredited fitness suite.