Major Gym Transformation Completed at Thornton Health and Fitness Centre
22nd of June, 2026
Wyre Council is delighted to announce the completion of a major refurbishment at Thornton Health and Fitness Centre, following an investment of more than £230,000 to transform the gym facilities.
The newly upgraded gym was officially opened on Friday 19 June by Wyre’s Mayor, Councillor Steve Nicholls who marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tried out some of the new state-of-the-art equipment.
The refurbishment has seen almost all existing equipment replaced in partnership with leading suppliers Life Fitness and Physical Company resulting in a modern, high-quality environment designed to support a wide range of fitness goals.
The upgrade includes:
- A full suite of Life Fitness cardio equipment, featuring treadmills, cross-trainers and bikes with advanced SE4 touchscreen consoles, internet connectivity and on-demand workouts
- A complete range of Life Fitness Insignia resistance machines
- A dedicated Hammer Strength lifting zone with eight plate-loaded machines, including leg press, hack squat, V-squat and glute drive
- A new multi-jungle cable system and expanded resistance training area
- Enhanced free weights provision, including dumbbells up to 40kg and a newly created lighter weights area
Additional equipment includes a new squat rack with lifting platform, Olympic bench presses, Smith machine, and functional kit such as kettlebells, sled equipment, battle ropes and more.
As part of the project, the strength and resistance areas have also been upgraded with 40mm rubber flooring, improving both safety and performance for users.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Leisure, Health & Community Engagement Portfolio Holder at Wyre Council, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this significant investment at Thornton Health and Fitness Centre. This major upgrade, delivered in partnership with Parkwood Leisure, reflects our strong commitment to providing high-quality, accessible leisure facilities for our residents and supporting health and wellbeing across Wyre.”
“It offers residents a fantastic space to get active while reinforcing our dedication to creating inclusive, welcoming environments that encourage healthier lifestyles.”
The refurbished gym at Thornton is supported by a newly appointed gym team, who can help people to take up a more active lifestyle in a high quality, supportive environment. All members can book a gym induction session with the trained gym staff to ensure they feel confident using the new equipment and get the most out of their workouts.
Francois Smit, Regional Director at Parkwood Leisure, said:
“This project was about more than just new equipment; it’s about investing in the overall experience for our members. We wanted to create a space that is as motivating as it is functional. We’re incredibly proud of the result and excited to see members back in the gym enjoying these world-class facilities.”
For more information, to join or to book an induction session, visit Thornton Health and Fitness Centre website - Thornton Health and Fitness Centre | LeisureCentre.com