THE official opening of a new area for fitness enthusiasts in Tadley has taken place.

Officially opened by mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Seán Keating, the new 45-station gym at Tadley Health and Fitness Centre features the latest cardio, resistance and functional exercise equipment.

This new addition, which began operating at the start of the year, complements the Tadley Swimming pool in New Road.

Guests, including members of Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust and chairman of Tadley Town Council, Cllr Jo Page, were welcomed by Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust contract manager, Jimmy Miller and Tadley Health and Fitness Centre manager, Tori Waight.

They were given a tour of the new facility and a chance to try the new equipment.

The upgrade came after a £630,000 investment from the trust and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Hazel Tilbury, chair of the trust, said: “It’s great to see the new centre up and running and already proving very popular with the local community.

“The pool has always been a focal point for people in this area, but by adding the gym we’ve created a more rounded fitness offering for Tadley residents.”

The centre is run by the trust, which also runs the Basingstoke Aquadrome, and Basingstoke Golf Centre, which now includes the dragon-themed adventure golf course Knights Realm.

At the opening of the new facility, Cllr Keating said: “It is great to see the new Tadley gym now open.

“Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council was delighted to support this project, alongside Basingstoke and Deane Community Leisure Trust, which allows people in Tadley and further afield to keep active.”