Work has started on the £8m refurbishment of GL1 leisure centre in Gloucester. The project is run by Gloucester City Council and Freedom Leisure, which operates the centre, with the contractor E G Carter & Co. The council says GL1 will stay open throughout the works.
What is happening, and when
The work is in two phases. The first phase, under way now, adds a new gym and functional fitness space and refreshes the women’s-only gym. It is expected to be finished by spring 2027.
The second phase brings a new soft-play facility, a climbing wall, water play features and refurbished changing rooms. It also includes a modern reception hub and a relocated café. Final completion is expected in autumn 2027.
Disruption and concerns
Gloucester Labour deputy leader Karen James said users need reassurance that they will not face a year of upheaval. She asked what risk assessments have been carried out, and pointed to signs that did not clearly guide customers around the works area, and an interruption to the electricity supply when contractors damaged cables and left stairwells in the dark.
The council says health and safety is at the heart of the project and that measures are in place to keep the centre open safely. Freedom Leisure says it is keeping customers informed of changes and disruption as the work progresses.
Practical information
- The gym phase is expected to be finished by spring 2027.
- The full project, including soft play and the climbing wall, is expected to finish in autumn 2027.
- Freedom Leisure says it will keep customers informed of any changes to the centre during the works.
