Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (CPNSC) has launched its new health and fitness suite, following a £1m investment by London-based sports trust Greenwich Leisure (GLL).

The scheme, which forms part of a wider £20m programme to upgrade the venue, was carried out alongside the London Development Agency (LDA) and included the creation of five dedicated fitness zones. A new Aerobikes studio - fitted with 15 bikes and simultrainers - and a 100-station cv and resistance area equipped by Technogym, as well as a space for stretching and core work are among the new zones.

The health and fitness suite, which also boasts a free weight zone and a Vario Room, is designed to provide facilities for CPNSC users of all abilities and complements the venue's existing 50m swimming pool. GLL partnership manager Tony Wallace said: "With the London Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, our aim is for the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre to be a hub of excellence in sport both leading up to 2012 and beyond.

"The local community, schools, clubs and centre users have a great opportunity to train and rub shoulders with world class athletes from athletics, swimming, football, gymnastics and handball." LDA deputy chief executive Peter Bishop added: "These new health and fitness facilities will bring more people in to the National Sports Centre and will make the most of our recent modernisation of the National Sports Centre buildings."

Other improvements planned for CPNSC this year include the creation of a junior health and fitness zone; a new climbing wall and refurbished squash courts. Image: Club centre manager Haseen Gokani (left) GLL general manager Russ Barnes