'It's ginormous!' Customers praise £2.8m Staffordshire leisure centre upgrades - with more to come

Customers of all ages have welcomed £2.8 million worth of improvements at two leisure centres in Cannock Chase.

Chase Leisure Centre and Rugeley Leisure Centre have undergone major refurbishments since April, when Everyone Active took over the running of the facilities in partnership with Cannock Chase District Council.

The investment has seen new gym equipment, exercise studios, changing facilities and children's attractions introduced across the two sites.

At Chase Leisure Centre, a new Active Monsters soft play area opened last month alongside Air-X, a giant inflatable obstacle course.

The centre has also benefited from a state-of-the-art gym, new and refurbished group exercise studios and a dedicated reformer pilates studio.

Further improvements are on the way, with a refurbished sauna and new steam room expected to be completed later this month.

Meanwhile, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance has been appointed to maintain Cannock Park Golf Course, where a new practice net and outdoor charging pods for golf buggies are also planned.

At Rugeley Leisure Centre, the gym has been extended to accommodate 115 exercise stations, with new Life Fitness equipment installed.

A new group exercise studio was completed in September, joining a group cycling studio and new dry-side changing rooms.

The centre has also received new grab-and-go café facilities, a refurbished reception area and additional multi-use rooms.

The improvements have already attracted positive feedback from customers.

Kerry Mui, who visited the new soft play area at Chase Leisure Centre, said: "A great soft play for families to enjoy and a lot of fun was had by my two little ones.

"There was lots of seating and it was very safe to play in – I would highly recommend."

Seven-year-old Henry Davies was equally impressed, saying: "I would definitely go back. It was ginormous, really cool and really high and it has amazing drop slides.

"Everything was awesome, especially the blue twirly slide. Also, the football and basketball pitches were brilliant."

Gym users have also praised the changes, with John Cooke describing the fitness suite as "amazing".

Simon Hattersley added: "There is lots of new equipment in the gym to get your head around and it's a massive improvement."

At Rugeley Leisure Centre, Hilary Carroll thanked those responsible for the refurbishment.

She said: "I would like to say a huge thank you for the refitting of the facility. We are so lucky to have not only a great facility but also a great team to manage it."

Katie Chambers praised the cleanliness of the swimming pool and changing areas, while Joanne Myatt said the staff were "amazing" and the venue was "perfect".

Dan McLean, Everyone Active's area contract manager, said: "The transformation of these facilities in the past six months has been fantastic to see and it has been great to receive so much positive feedback from the local communities we serve.

"No matter what your age, interests or ability, there is an activity for you at your local leisure centre.

"We'd encourage everyone to come down and make the most of the state-of-the-art facilities on their doorstep."

Councillor Mark Deakin, portfolio leader for leisure and culture at Cannock Chase District Council, said the feedback demonstrated the benefits of continued investment in the district's leisure facilities.

He said: "This great feedback from our residents is testament to the ongoing investment in leisure facilities that is being made across Cannock Chase.

"We are committed to creating opportunities for our communities to improve their health and wellbeing working in partnership with Everyone Active – and the improvements being delivered at our leisure centres will ensure local people can enjoy a high-quality fitness experience.

"And it is great when these improvements are endorsed by satisfied customers."