Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw, opens expanded gym at Portslade Sports Centre

Portslade Sports Centre has unveiled its newly extended and refurbished gym, officially opened by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Amanda Grimshaw.

The redevelopment has almost doubled the size of the gym and includes upgraded flooring, enhanced audio‑visual systems, additional equipment and expanded washroom facilities. The project was funded through Section 106 developer contributions alongside investment from Freedom Leisure, which operates the centre on behalf of Brighton & Hove City Council. It forms part of the council’s wider Sports Facilities Investment Plan aimed at improving local leisure provision and encouraging residents to be more active.

The gym quietly opened to the public in late December, in time for people looking to start new fitness routines in the New Year, before the formal ribbon‑cutting ceremony.

Speaking at the opening, Cllr Grimshaw said the improved space would benefit a broad range of users. “This exciting new facility has almost doubled the size of the previous gym, offering people from the local community the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of new equipment, become healthier and tackle those New Year’s resolutions,” she said.

She added that the refurbished gym had been designed to accommodate all ages and abilities, including students from Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, some of whom attended the launch event. The Mayor also thanked the council’s sports facilities team, Freedom Leisure, the Bailey Partnership and Shellmar Construction for delivering the project.

“It’s another step forward in our commitment to improve sports facilities in the city and provide opportunities for residents to get active,” she said.

Freedom Leisure’s area manager, Jason Musk, welcomed the improvements, describing the refurbishment as an example of effective partnership working. “We’re delighted with the new and improved facilities at Portslade Sports Centre,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming residents from Portslade and Hove to one of the region’s leading fitness venues.”