A MAJOR £120,000 upgrade of Gourock gym is up and running — as preparations continue for the opening of the outdoor pool.

Inverclyde Leisure are transforming the Albert Road facility by replacing equipment with state-of-the-art machines and installing a new floor .

The gym and 107-year-old outdoor pool re-opened four years ago following a major £1.8 million overhaul by owners Inverclyde Council.

But leisure chiefs are determined to keep pace with the ever-evolving world of health and fitness to ensure their customers have the best facilities in the country.

Gourock gym, which boasts 850 members, is the latest IL fitness suite to be refurbished following major investment at the Birkmyre in Kilmacolm, Boglestone in Port Glasgow and Ravenscraig Activity Centre in Greenock.

It closed on Wednesday for seven days to allow the work to take place.
The iconic outdoor pool is also being given a mini-makeover ahead of its re-opening for the new season next Friday.

Lauren O’Donnell, facility manager, said: “I’m very excited about it. The gym equipment that was here was only four years old and it was okay but the new kit is going to be fantastic. 

“The refurbishment we did in 2012 made a huge difference to the fitness gym — and not many gyms can beat the view we have. But technology moves so fast — you’ve got to keep up.

“The pool is getting a makeover as well.

“It will open next Friday at 4pm.

“On the day we’ll be having a barbecue, ice cream, tea and coffee and sandwiches.

“All our lifeguards and reception staff will be there and the fitness team because the new gym will have just opened.”

Bosses say customers will notice a big difference next week, particularly in the fitness suite.

Lauren, who has been in charge of the Gourock facility for the last two years, said: “We’re planning to re-open the gym on Wednesday, it might not be normal opening times but we will keep in touch with our customers.

“There’s going to be new flooring, fresh paintwork, new mirrors and improvements to members’ experience with new Technogym equipment and their Mywellness system that allows them to design a programme and have it with them wherever they go.

“There will be a big technological advancement.”

David McCorkindale, IL’s head of leisure and community facilities, says it’s a busy and exciting time for everyone at Gourock.

He said: “We are committed to keeping the standards very high for our customers, who are dedicated and use the gym on a regular basis.

“It’s great to see the investment from IL in maintaining high quality facilities and for driving health and activity across Inverclyde.

“We’re also looking forward to another successful season for Gourock pool and hope everybody turns out next Friday for the opening.

“The outdoor pool is a fantastic facility on Inverclyde’s doorstep which is truly unique in Scotland and staff have been working hard to get it ready.”