The new gym, unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday 28 August, gives local residents access to a modern, inclusive fitness space, with cutting-edge technology, expanded training areas and improved accessibility. 

Designed to support people of all ages and fitness levels, the upgraded facility provides a welcoming environment where residents can exercise, improve their health and wellbeing, and achieve their fitness goals. 

The official opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Jeremy Kite, MBE Leader of Dartford Borough Council and retired British sprinter and Olympian Adam Gemili, who joined centre representatives, local stakeholders and guests to mark the milestone. 

The new gym includes EGYM Smart Strength equipment and the EGYM Fitness Hub, providing members with a personalised and connected training experience. The upgrade also introduces new cardio equipment featuring 16-inch touchscreen interactive entertainment consoles, helping users stay engaged throughout their workouts. 

In addition, the free weights area has been significantly expanded with the introduction of a Glute Drive, Hack Squat and a range of plate-loaded equipment. To improve accessibility, the gym now includes Pulse accessible fixed-strength machines with swing-away seats, ensuring more people can benefit from the facility. 

A dedicated functional training zone has also been created, complete with a sled track, training rig and Box12, offering members greater variety and flexibility in their workouts. 

Mathew Nicholson, contract manager at Places Leisure, said: 'We are incredibly excited to officially open the new gym at Fairfield Leisure and showcase the significant improvements made through this investment. By introducing the latest EGYM smart technology, interactive cardio equipment and enhanced functional training facilities, we are creating a more personalised, engaging and effective fitness experience for our members. The addition of accessible strength equipment and inclusive training spaces will help ensure that more people can enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity, regardless of their age, ability or fitness background. 

'We hope this investment will provide more opportunities for people across the local community to get active, improve their health and wellbeing, and make the most of a modern facility designed to support them at every stage of their fitness journey.'

Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: 'Fairfield Leisure has been at the heart of our community for many years, and this investment ensures it remains fit for the future. The new gym will offer residents access to some of the very latest fitness technology, in an environment that is welcoming and accessible to all. 

'It's particularly encouraging to see such a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that more residents can enjoy the benefits of modern fitness facilities. We're proud to work with Places Leisure to continue investing in facilities that meet the needs of our growing community and ensure Dartford remains a great place to live, work, and stay active."' 

The investment forms part of Fairfield Leisure's continued focus on delivering high-quality leisure and fitness facilities that meet the evolving needs of residents across Dartford and the surrounding area.