Leisure operator 1Life and South Kesteven District Council have kicked off a £600,000 investment to transform the fitness facilities at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre and bolster its thriving GP referral programme.

The project will see the size of the gym double to 350sq m (3,767sq ft) with a wide range of Matrix Fitness equipment to be installed, as well as a TRX suspension training system. There will also be a new group cycling studio, in addition to new changing rooms and a Costa Coffee cafe. The whole project is due to be finished by the end of the summer.

A dedicated service is also being created to build on the work of an already-successful GP referral programme. The scheme provides group exercise and weight loss activities, working in-centre and as part of a community outreach scheme.

“Grantham Meres will be a first class facility featuring the very latest in fitness innovations,” said Tony Mabbott, contract manager for 1Life.

“The investment is going to make a significant difference to the services that we can offer to the community and we are sure that our customers will be delighted with the changes that are being made.”