The state-of-the-art Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre has officially opened after an investment of £44.9million by Barnet Council into two brand new facilities, including £2m of National Lottery funding via the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund.
The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Caroline Stock, cuts the ribbon to officially open Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre.
Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre is part of the sporting fabric of the borough, situated in Mill Hill within a stone’s throw of facilities such as Allianz Park, the home of Saracens RFC.
The new leisure centre, a catalyst in delivering a long-term masterplan vision for the site, contains a learner pool, 25m six-lane community pool, 25m eight-lane competition pool, five-court sports hall, health and fitness suite, two studios, three health improvement rooms, spectator gallery, club lounge and café.
Councillor Sachin Rajput, Lead Member for Sport and Physical Activity, said: “We officially opened New Barnet Leisure Centre earlier this month, and I’m delighted to now open Barnet Copthall! Both are individually special and designed to serve the many diverse communities of our borough. We’ve installed state-of-the-art equipment so that these facilities can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. I hope to see our residents enjoying them for many years to come.”
While Barnet Council has put £44.9million into the construction of two leisure centres in New Barnet and Barnet Copthall, fitness provider Better has put £2.4million into regenerating existing facilities.
New Barnet Leisure Centre houses facilities including a learner pool, 25m six-lane community pool, café, two studios and a health and fitness studio.
Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Dan Thomas, said: “I’m delighted that Barnet Council has been able to invest in two new leisure centres, both of which are a huge success. We want to give Barnet residents every opportunity to enjoy sport and fitness and this is just one of the various ways the council is helping."
New gym equipment and new nursery and creche facilities have been introduced at Burnt Oak Leisure Centre, which has also received a much-needed makeover to the changing rooms. What’s more, its 3G artificial grass pitch has been resurfaced.
New equipment has been added to the expanded gym at Hendon Leisure Centre – which also has an improved climbing wall and modern changing facilities. The gym at Finchley Lido Leisure Centre has been expanded too, with additional improvements made to its on-site air circulation systems and boilers, boosting energy efficiency.
The council has also created a free Fit and Active Barnet (FAB) Card for residents, offering a range of benefits and activity incentives. Examples include up to 50% off activity prices, free swimming for children under 8, swimming for just £1 for children aged 8-15, and much more. More than 20,000 people have signed up for it so far. If you live in Barnet and you haven’t already, please sign up for yours at: www.better.org.uk/fab-card
In addition to the FAB Card, the FAB Hub gives residents a place where they can find a range of borough-wide health and fitness activities on one website: www.better.org.uk/fab-hub