A BRITISH para-table tennis player and recent European gold and bronze medalist, Dave Wetherill, has cut the ribbon to officially open Bude Leisure Centre’s new facilities.

GLL, a charitable social enterprise, took on the management of all Cornwall’s leisure centres from April 1, 2017, and has invested £1.4-million in the brand new gym, virtual fitness class studio and high specification changing rooms.

Dave is an ambassador of the GLL Sports Foundation and committed to nurturing sporting talent in Cornwall.

Those attending the opening were given a guided tour of the new facilities by general manager Tom Glendinning. Guests were invited to look around the facility and witness a virtual fitness class first hand — the virtual studio is the first that GLL have installed in Cornwall.

“We’re delighted with the end result,” said Tom. “From my perspective, we now have the best gym in the county. It’s purpose built, with high ceilings and energy efficient lighting. We’ve also installed facial recognition technology so members can access the gym, even when the pool is closed.

“Although we’ve fitted state of the art virtual facilities, for those who prefer an instructor led class, we also run a timetable of classes led by our team.”

On the day Cornwall Councillor for Bude Peter La Broy tried out several of the new top of the range ‘Technogym’ equipment stations. Cllr La Broy said: “I was delighted to be at the official opening of the new facilities at Bude Leisure Centre. The layout, equipment and people are all first class. The range of activities available are astonishing; from yoga to high intensity fitness classes and beyond, which is a great asset for our community.

“Now the new building is linked to the swimming pool we have a wonderful leisure centre that is comparable in quality to those in bigger cities. I was so impressed, I joined on the spot and am enjoying going along to a variety of fitness classes, using the gym and going for a swim. All of the staff are extremely welcoming and I cannot praise them enough. See you there!”

In addition to the gym and studio, the leisure centre also has a 25-metre swimming pool with a flume, wave machine and poolside café. GLL’s contract with Cornwall Council runs for 25 years and, as a social enterprise, the organisation reinvests all its profits into improvements.

For more information about Bude Leisure Centre visit www.better.org.uk.leisure-centre/cornwall/bude-leisure-centre