Reading’s new landmark leisure complex opened it’s doors to the public today (July 17) following months of anticipation.

The development of Rivermead Leisure Centre is part of a project by Reading Borough Council and Greenwich Leisure Ltd to create more sustainable and modern facilities for the public.

Local residents and gym goers can look forward to everything from a state-of-the-art gym space, studios and an impressive soft play area for kids.

As well as providing a range of facilities to stay active, the building has been made more energy efficient. A solar garden on the roof and air source heat pumps have replaced gas boilers.

Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for leisure and culture at Reading Borough Council said: “I’m so excited to get people in through the doors. We’re opening on Monday (17/7), and we’ve got tours this weekend. It is a landmark facility for Reading.

“What we have got is a range of ways to get active. Whether you are a serious gym bunny we’ve got some high-end equipment here, right down to the most amazing soft play, with beautiful natural light and four story of fun.

“Although it’s disappointing that the pool isn’t ready yet, we’ve done some creative problem solving and managed to open everything else in the centre.

“The pool hall is spectacular and I’m really looking forward to people being able to get in and enjoy that next year.”

Greenwich Leisure Ltd has taken over the management and creation of all of the new leisure centres in Reading.

Partnership manager for GLL in Reading, Craig Woodward spoke about his excitment over the opening and the fantastic services that are being offered in the new building.

“It’s a fantastic facility. It’s turned out really well.

“We got a lovely state-of-the-art gym. 120 stations provided by techno gym and two massive studios. Downstairs there is children’s soft play which is absolutely fantastic and then we’ve got the six court sports hall for badminton, basketball and netball too.

“At the moment we have landscaping going on and once it grows through there will be lovely wildflowers. There are really nice little green features to look forward to.

“On the roof we have two air source heat pumps both of which replace the old gas boilers which you normally see in leisure centres and 770 solar panels on the rood as well which will reduce the energy consumption.

“It’s really important to keep everyone as active as possible and hopefully we can get people to come in and use the facilities as quickly as they can.”