New Mildenhall gym marks ‘first step’ in community hub plans

Work has begun on a new temporary fitness centre in Mildenhall, a ‘big step forward’ in plans for a new community hub in the town.

The gym will move from The Dome Leisure Centre, in Bury Road, to a vacant wing at the Forest Heath District Council offices, in College Heath Road.

Artist impressions for the layout of the fitness centre, which will be known as The Gym Mildenhall, have been revealed as work starts on the new facility.

It marks the first step towards the new Mildenhall Hub plans, to centralise public services in the town.

Centre Manager Nigel Snape said: “This is very exciting and a big step forward for the new Mildenhall Hub plans. Work is ongoing and we will be open for business later this month. We cannot wait to open the new gym to members.”

The move will allow Anglia Community Leisure, which manages the gym in partnership with Forest Heath District Council, to provide new facilities including an air-conditioned dance studio, larger gym with free weights area and new changing rooms.

Forest Heath Cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, Cllr Warwick Hirst, said: “This move is good news all round as it brings another partner alongside a number of other organisations who already work from the council offices so makes it easier for people to access the service they want.

“I am looking forward to seeing the new gym in action.”

The new gym will be located between the library and health centre, and as facilities will no longer be shared with Mildenhall College Academy access for members will be improved. Community use of The Dome in the evenings and weekends will not be affected.