Investment Secured for a New Gym to Tackle Health Inequalities
A new state-of-the-art immersive spin studio and high-spec gym are to be built at the 70s sports centre; with the aim of tackling health inequalities
YMCA Plymouth is set to launch the first phase of a bold regeneration project at their Honicknowle Lane facility built in 1974. The phase 1 plans include; an enhanced gym, refurbished changing rooms and an innovative ‘immersive’ spin studio.
The development has been given the go-ahead thanks to a nearly half a million-pound investment from Postcode Innovation Trust, thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and social impact investors Resonance Ltd.
The good news comes amid unprecedented times for the YMCA, whose centre has now been closed for over 3 months due to the ongoing nationwide restrictions for gyms and leisure centres.
Tom Lavis, Director of Business Development at YMCA Plymouth said: “We are extremely excited to have been given the green-light for this much-needed regeneration of our centre - especially at a time when good news can feel in short supply. Importantly, this isn’t a bid or an ambition, but a development project we’re actually ready to begin building.”
“We’re very grateful that players of People’s Postcode Lottery and Resonance have backed us, and both share our vision to tackle local health inequalities, by providing high-quality and importantly affordable provision at our facility. This development will be a major boost to our community, particularly in expanding our work for disadvantaged groups and people with cardiac conditions.”
The new immersive spin studio will comprise of a number of spin exercise bikes, a state-of-the-art cinematic curved screen and advanced audio system; all designed to provide users with an exhilarating immersive experience while burning calories.
An expanded gym with cutting-edge equipment will also be installed in a newly kitted out fitness suite. This will not only improve the workouts of the centre’s over 1000 members but also enable the YMCA to grow its successful cardiac rehabilitation services and health provision for vulnerable groups.
The development is set to be only the first phase of a wider regeneration project at the facility according to Tom, who said: “We have ambitious plans to go beyond what we’re announcing today.
We’re much more than just a sport or leisure centre. As an independent charity here in Plymouth, we exist to support young people and our community’s health, education and family needs. For example, many people are surprised to learn that we train over 180 young people here each week at our Discovery College. As well as this, we support hundreds of local families through our disability sessions, play activities and more. We have bold plans, and this is just a first step. We look forward to announcing more in the near future.”