Visitors to the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon are set to benefit from a major programme of investment, which will see the current gym substantially extended, new state-of-the-art fitness equipment installed and a new crèche area created. The new gym space, which will be extended by 290sqm, will boast £136,000 worth of new kit. This will include the latest Technogym ‘Excite’ equipment comprising treadmills, recline bikes, crossovers and synchro machines - offering a full cardiovascular workout. The additional space and new equipment will mean that up to 50 more customers will be able to use the gym at any time. In addition, all fitness equipment currently located in the existing gym will be replaced and upgraded thanks to a further £246,000 investment. A new outdoor crèche area is also planned, devised to give young children more space in which to play, while their carers are using the leisure centre’s other facilities. The gym changing rooms will be refurbished with the introduction of new showers, toilets, wash basins, lockers, paintwork and lighting. The main entrance to the building will also be improved thanks to the installation of an impressive new canopy, while public art will also be installed throughout centre. The roof of the extended gym area will be an environmentally friendly ‘Green Roof’ featuring plants and vegetation to absorb any rain water that falls on the new building. This short video shows how the new extension will look when it's completed - The £1.7million improvements are being funded by Vale of the White Horse District Council and GLL, which operates the council’s Better leisure centres. The work is due to start on Sunday 15 May and is expected to be completed just in time for Christmas. Cllr Charlotte Dickson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re very keen to ensure our leisure centres provide residents with the best experience and facilities possible. This £1.7million investment from the Vale and GLL will make a huge difference for people visiting the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre, especially those using the gym. There will be much more room and new equipment meaning many more people can be accommodated at peak times.” Ben Whaymand, Partnership Manager GLL, said “The White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre is a fantastic community facility. The work comes at an exciting time when we are investing £1.7m by extending the existing gym, and introducing state-of-the-art fitness equipment. "The gym changing rooms at the leisure centre will also receive an upgrade as part of this work. "This will be a massive difference to the existing facility offering a wider range of equipment for our customers, and adding benefit to their membership.”