Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) has begun the first phase of a £3.4m (US$4.5m, €3.8m) investment project to improve four leisure facilities it operates in Cardiff, Wales.

GLL took over the day-to-day operation of eight facilities from Cardiff City Council in December last year with a remit to refresh facilities and improve footfall.

The Welsh council took the decision to find an external partner to manage its centres because local authority budgets were “being slashed”.

The first phase of the project includes new Technogym equipment being installed in Llanishen Leisure Centre, Maindy Centre, Western Leisure Centre and Pentwyn Leisure Centre, along with an upgrade of the gym facilities.

Changing rooms at Llanishen Leisure Centre will be refurbished and new studios, including a group cycle room, will be installed. Reception areas at all four centres will also get a makeover.

“Customers will have a better experience when using our centres – we are installing the latest gym equipment and refreshing the look and feel so our centres offer a brighter, more attractive visit," said Juliette Dickinson, GLL regional director.

“With a range of affordable options available for the whole community, including concessionary membership for the over 60s, students and businesses, we’re making leisure in Cardiff Better.”

GLL, UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise, manages more than 300 facilities in the UK under the ‘Better’ brand.

Details of the second phase of the project will be released at a later date.