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The construction of the mezzanine floor in the fitness suite last term, together with an overhaul of the reception area, a revamp of the changing rooms, and a resurfacing of the JLD astro-turf means the total investment this financial year comes to over £1 million.
The work is not yet completely finished but Acting Sports and Recreation Manager, Rena Quarton, expects the builders to have left by the end of the week and stressed that sports centre users aren’t being affected by the finishing touches still being applied. “There’s just a few snags to sort out” continued Quarton. “For example there’s a window panel in one of the women’s changing room doors. Obviously that’ll have to go!”
Sports centre users old and new seemed to be enjoying the changes as they gathered in groups admiring the photos on the walls of various University sports teams. Better shower facilities, with both individual cubicle and communal showers now available, improved facilities for disabled users, new lockers and a fair few licks of paint have made the changing room experience much more pleasant.
However, whether the investment has really improved sport at York is up for debate. The new astro-turf surface and football goals will keep the football and hockey clubs happy, but it is essentially recycling old technology by relaying it with a sand based artificial pitch. The outdoor netball and tennis courts which were deemed unfit to play on when wet last year have not seen a penny of the investment, posing serious problems to college netball this winter. All in all there’s a air of postponing further investments until it’s clear what sports facilities the new Heslington East site will hold.
Quarton feels the revamp has made it feel more like a student’s sports centre, that’s also increasing its inclusivity to the local community with new membership schemes, but admits there’s more to be done. The prospect of further renovations wasn’t ruled out: “The doors not closed but I can’t say, I’m not in charge of the purse strings”. When asked what Alex Lacy’s take on the investment was she said “I think he’s more than happy. Alex even helped choose the colours in the changing rooms!”
Whilst membership figures have apparently not fallen, prices certainly haven’t. A 9 month ‘anytime’ membership of the fitness suite alone will set you back £140 excluding the £40 fee to just be a sports centre member. Raquet sports and fitness suite memberships can be combined but a fitness suite member who fancies a game of badminton will have to shell out a further £5 per hour for a court, despite the £180 already paid to be a member. So whilst the aesthetics and ergonomics have undoubtedly improved and its location unrivalled , a price list unbefitting to its facilities mean Next Generation gym and co won’t be too worried just yet.
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