Work is underway at Sheffield Hallam University's second gym as part of a £2m project to upgrade its fitness facilities and in turn strengthen its position as a sports university.

The Club Hallam Fitness Suite at the Collegiate Campus is being extended to incorporate 73 stations of Life Fitness equipment, which will be used by the general student population and athletes as part of the Elite Hallam Sports Programme and Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme.

The gym will feature a SAQ and plyometric area and a five-room physiotherapy suite. The facility is due to open in October.

The first refurbishment was recently completed at The Club Hallam Health and Fitness Suite, at the university's City Campus, and was designed to attract more female users and balance the existing 70:30 male to female ratio.

The new 75-station facility is also equipped by Life Fitness and includes its new Engage treadmills with integrated TVs and iPod docking stations as well as virtual trainers. There is also a personal training area with swiss and medicine balls supplied by Escape Fitness.

Dan Porter, director of sports at Sport Hallam, said: "The university market is becoming increasingly competitive. Students are paying customers and are demanding better services, including health and fitness facilities of high standards. This is true for our students whether they just want to keep fit or have ambitions of competing at the Olympics."