'It's out of this world': BH Live invests £750,000 to create fresh-faced gym at Mountbatten Leisure Centre with bespoke kit
A gym has undergone a major renovation costing thousands
Customers have described a leisure centre’s new gym as ‘out of this world’ after a £750,000 investment has transformed the space into a trendy workout spot to encourage people to get active.
Bespoke equipment lines the walls at Mountbatten Leisure Centre’s fresh-faced gym, which as reopened after undergoing a three-week refurbishment to create a state-of-the-art workout area that caters to everyone.
The upgraded space, which is located on the first floor at the centre, features brand-new Precor equipment across 130 stations, alongside improved cardio and strength training zones, and a bespoke E-Gym area that calculates your biological age to improve how customers workout. It has also been reconfigured to include dedicated recovery, physio, and wellness areas, as well as new post-workout facilities featuring Reach Wellness equipment.
Rob Cunningham, director of leisure and business development for BH Live, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the reopening of Mountbatten Leisure Centre’s gym following this significant investment. The new space has been completely transformed, with high-quality equipment and dedicated training and recovery areas designed to support all fitness levels.
“This refurbishment reflects our commitment to creating modern, welcoming environments that help more people across the city stay active and improve their health and wellbeing.”
Mountbatten Leisure Centre is operated by charity and social enterprise, BH Live, that manages leisure centres, event spaces, and cultural venues with the aim of promoting health and fitness within the community and reinvest in public services. The charity runs multiple locations in the city including Pyramids in Clarence Esplanade, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre in Taswell Road, and Portsmouth Tennis Centre in Alex Way.
BH Live’s £750K investment also includes an improved group cycle studio at the Hilsea centre and a brand-new Reformer Pilates studio at the Pyramids Centre in Southsea.
Rob added: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The last time it has had improvements was in 2017 but in terms of new equipment, that was 2014 so it needed to be done. Wimbledon Park Sports Centre has received some of the old equipment as well so it hasn’t gone to waste.
“We wanted to modernise the space and it was really important to make it feel welcoming while keeping up with competition. A lot of members have asked for different things in terms of equipment so we’ve worked to try and meet our customers needs. It has been designed to cater to everyone - we also cater for people who have long term health conditions and have rehab stroke sessions.
“There are so many things that people can do. We spent a lot of time talking to customers asking them what they wanted to see so a lot of that has happened in this new gym. The biggest part of the gym that has been well received is the bespoke equipment that you generally find in more expensive gyms. We are able to deliver that at an affordable price point and it’s all part of making exercise more accessible to everyone.”
Mountbatten is already home to a large pool inflatable obstacle course, AquaDash!, an indoor Clip N’ Climb, and MountAirXL, a giant air inflatable which launched in October 2025. These attractions are especially popular with young people, community groups, and are perfect opportunities to encourage young people to get active while enjoying exercise.
Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for sport, leisure, and community safety, said: “It’s fantastic to see the reopening of Mountbatten Leisure Centre’s gym following this significant investment. These improvements will provide residents with modern, high-quality facilities that support people of all ages and abilities to get active and stay healthy.
“We’re proud to work in partnership with BH Live to continue enhancing leisure opportunities across the city, making it easier for our communities to prioritise their wellbeing and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
Thomas, who has a membership at the centre said the new gym is “excellent”. He added: “Superb with an ultra-modern look and new equipment. Precor exercise machines have multimedia and TV and are really amazing, I have to give it 10 stars. Really appreciate the mastermind and those funding these facilities and it’s great to see BH Live taking care of people’s health and well-being.”
Another Mountbatten customer, Michael, who is particularly impressed with the state-of-the-art equipment has described the fresh-faced workout space as “out of this world”.
Customers of the centre can also enjoy the 50-metre swimming pool, a learner pool, multiple fitness studios where group exercise classes take place, a sauna, spa bath and steam room as well as a cafe and a sports hall that can host parties.
The renovation also comes after it was announced earlier this year that BH Live would be the new operator for the £22 million leisure centre currently being built in Bransbury Park.