Central Bedfordshire Council is delighted to announce that the new Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre will open on Saturday 29 March.

Located within the Kingsland Campus, the centre offers residents a range of new, exciting and modern facilities including an 8-lane 25-metre pool, a learner pool with a movable floor to raise or lower the depth for swimming lessons and classes, and a separate shallow pool for people to gain confidence will provide for all swimming abilities.

There is a huge fitness suite with 120 gym stations and a large free weights area. The facilities also include two squash courts, an immersive experience group cycle studio, fitness and wellness studios offering a range of classes and activities.

As well as the sports and fitness facilities, the building has a large public café, community spaces and accessible Changing Places facilities. Outside there is a children’s play area available for visitors and the community, and a fitness trail set amongst the landscaped areas surrounding the centre.

The new leisure centre has been made possible by investment from Central Bedfordshire Council and a £20m grant from Central Government.

The centre will be operated by the Council’s leisure management partner, Everyone Active, who will be hosting an Open Day from 10.00am – 3.00pm on Saturday 29 March.

There will be the opportunity to meet Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Olympic Athlete and TV personality, plus Mark Foster, Olympic Swimmer and music will be provided by a Live DJ, Gina Breeze. Personal training taster sessions, gym challenges, inflatable swim sessions, bouncy castle sessions and face painting will also be on offer as free activities for the whole family to enjoy.

To book your place on a session and to find out about membership options download the Everyone Active App or visit www.everyoneactive.com/NewHoughtonRegis

Cllr Steve Watkins, Executive Member for Assets, Business and Housing at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "Investing in high quality sports facilities, such as the new Leisure and Community Centre in Houghton Regis brings a wealth of benefits to the local community, and makes it easier to be fit and healthy.

“That’s why, the Council was very pleased to secure £20m of Government funding to help build this fantastic new centre which complements the other investments we’re making in leisure across Central Bedfordshire. We really hope residents take full advantage of and enjoy this brilliant new facility.”

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s Contract Manager, said: “We are delighted to operate the new Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the local community.

“The centre will give local people the chance to improve their physical and mental health for many years to come. We encourage everyone to come and enjoy the fantastic new facility on their doorstep.”

For more information about the new Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre, as well as the grand opening event, visit: www.everyoneactive.com/NewHoughtonRegis