A £1.2m renovation has begun on Parks Leisure Centre, Barrow-in-Furness, part of the renewed 10-year partnership between Pulse Fitness and Barrow Borough Council. The renovation will provide family-orientated facilities.

A second floor will be added to the leisure centre to house a 60-station adult fitness suite, a 26-station kids gym called Club Max, a 140sq m dance studio, changing facilities and a spectators’ area with café.

Club Max will be tailored to appeal to young people between the ages of eight and 15-years and will boasts Pulse’s Vibe Kids Cardio Range, strength and CV kit that features water-powered resistance, full colour screens and group activity.

“The new development is all part of the council’s strategy to be more proactive in children’s fitness,” said Linda Forster, marketing coordinator for Pulse Fitness.

The council is working in collaboration with local schools to attract children to the new facilities who don’t normally enjoy sports as part of the curriculum. The aim is to encourage them to use Club Max, and to participate in a range of in childrens’ programmes – including circuit training and aerobics – that will be offered in the dance studio.

Margaret Wilson, Parks Leisure Centre manager said a children’s coordinator will be employed, with the aim of “encouraging children to participate in regular exercise in a fun environment”.

Pulse Fitness is providing the council with equipment for the adult fitness suite and Club Max through its Pulse Select programmes and sales and marketing support through its operational support sector, Club Pulse.

The agreement will include the presence of an on-site membership advisor and the development of new family membership options for the centre.

The new facilities will open in July 2008.