The official reopening of the redeveloped Westway Sport & Fitness Centre in North Kensington has been used to help those affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster.

The centre, located just 200 yards from the ill-fated residential tower, was originally due to reopen in June. It was, however, instead maintained as a humanitarian site by Everyone Active – which operates the centre on behalf of the Westway Trust – to support those affected by the devastating fire on 14 June.

Among other relief activities, the centre was used as temporary accommodation for those who lost their homes in the blaze.

The centre is fresh from a £2m upgrade, which included the installation of a new 110-station gym floor, two new exercise studios, an extended bouldering area, upgraded changing rooms, new group exercise equipment and a new visitor café

Everyone Active organised the opening event, which took place on 5 August, and combined it with a free community sports day to provide residents, volunteers and all those affected by the disaster with a day of free activities.

Alison Norman, Everyone Active contract manager, said: “During this difficult time the community has really come together to support each other.

“The day was a great opportunity to celebrate the strength of our community."

Stephen Wren, director of sports and leisure at Westway Trust, added: “The community came together in an incredibly powerful way following the Grenfell Tower fire and you could see that every day in the number of volunteers and donations that surrounded Westway Sports & Fitness Centre.

“This event was able to offer some lighter relief and demonstrate the positive impact that sports and other activities can have on a community.”

The centre offered free sessions in a wide range of sports during the day – including climbing, tennis, disability sports and football.

Members of the community were also able to take part in Zumbathon sessions, led by qualified instructors, as well as a range of gym challenges and group cycling.

Westway Trust CEO Angela McConville said: “Sport and fitness can play a real part in helping North Kensington to heal following this tragedy and we look forward to working with Everyone Active to ensure that the best facilities and programmes are available to local people.”