First glimpse inside Newport's new £1 million gym

The new workout machines were being installed throughout yesterday and today ahead of the grand opening next week.

The gym, which has about 50 pieces of equipment, has been built as an extension at the council-run Newport Swimming Pool in Victoria Park.

Council spokesman Russell Griffin said: "Newport gym will have the very latest, state-of-the-art cardiovascular and strength equipment from Cybex, located in a vibrant setting overlooking Victoria Park."

The project was funded through the council's Invest to Save initiative and Telford-based Pryce Builders were appointed to do the work. Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for leisure services and culture, described the extension as "exciting".

She said: "I'm delighted we have been able to deliver this exciting project for the people of Newport and surrounding rural areas.

"Similar facilities in other parts of the borough have proven to be extremely popular and have encouraged more people to take regular exercise.

"I am particularly pleased as the project is a good example of how the council can improve its services for the community and ,at the same time, generate income as opposed to making cuts."

Newport Swimming Pool re-opened on Monday after being closed for five months while the work took place. The project also included refurbishments to the changing rooms.

The new gym will open on March 15.

Work at the leisure centre started in July and the facility closed in October. The pool and the new fitness suite were due to open in January – but the project was delayed when a leak was found in the main pool tank. There were then further delays when it was discovered that a sewer had to be diverted. The delays caused disruption for Newport & District Swimming Club. Its 80 members aged between nine and 16 were forced to use other pools in the borough.