Visitors to Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre can now enjoy a range of newly refurbished facilities, as work continues on a major programme to modernise and decarbonise leisure centres across North Hertfordshire.

The centre's members' changing rooms have been completely transformed, with the space stripped back and rebuilt from scratch. New showers, lockers, benches, flooring, vanity units and mirrors have all been installed, creating a brighter and more modern environment designed to improve the experience for everyone using the centre.

The health suite has also undergone a full refurbishment. The sauna has been replaced with a brand-new cabin and benches, while the steam room has been fully refreshed with new tiling, modern lighting and a revamped interior. These improvements have been delivered alongside ongoing decarbonisation works at the site.

Meanwhile, the gym has returned to its original location after operating from the group exercise studio since October, giving members full access to the familiar layout once again.

Some works are still continuing, with roofing upgrades underway over the main entrance and pool hall. This means there is a partial pool closure on weekdays, although after-school swimming lessons are continuing as normal.

The improvements form part of North Herts Council's £16.4 million leisure centre decarbonisation programme, which is part-funded by £7.74 million from the Government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. Across leisure centres in Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Royston and Baldock, the project includes installing air source heat pumps, solar panels, and improved insulation, windows and ventilation.

Once completed, the programme is expected to cut carbon emissions by more than 60 per cent.

Cllr Amy Allen, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "I'm so excited that the new facilities are open and already making a difference for people using the centre. The changing rooms and health suite feel so much brighter and more welcoming. "Thank you to everyone for bearing with us while the rest of the upgrade continues — the end result will be a more modern, greener leisure centre for everyone."

Tim Melvin, Everyone Active's Contract Commercial Manager, added: "We're delighted to be opening these refurbished areas and bringing customers a much-improved experience. The new changing rooms and upgraded health suite represent a significant investment in the centre. "We really appreciate everyone's patience while the wider decarbonisation project continues. Once all phases are complete, the centre will be better, more modern and more efficient for the whole community."

Everyone Active manages Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre on behalf of North Herts Council, alongside North Herts Leisure Centre, Royston Leisure Centre and Letchworth Lido. The decarbonisation project is expected to be completed by spring 2026.