The upgrade, delivered as part of the wider agreement, will see the gym completely modernised with new equipment, an improved layout, and a refreshed look and feel to enhance the experience for customers. BH Live will lead the refurbishment as part of its ongoing programme of reinvestment into community facilities.
BH Live, a registered charity, provides leisure and wellbeing services on behalf of the council at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Pyramids Centre, Wimbledon Park Sports Centre, and other venues across Portsmouth. The contract extension enables the trust to continue delivering affordable, accessible programmes for residents while reinvesting every penny of surplus back into local sport and leisure services.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Community Safety said:
“The Mountbatten Leisure Centre is a flagship facility in our city, and this refurbishment will give gym users a significantly better experience. By extending our partnership with BH Live, a trusted provider, we can secure long‑term improvements and ensure that every pound generated through leisure services is reinvested back into community wellbeing. This is exactly the kind of partnership working that strengthens Portsmouth’s leisure offer for years to come.”
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared;
“We’re thrilled to be moving ahead with the refurbishment of the Mountbatten Leisure Centre gym. This centre is at the heart of helping Portsmouth stay active, and this investment will transform the space into a modern, welcoming environment that inspires even more people to focus on their health and wellbeing.
“Our extended commitment with Portsmouth City Council means we can continue improving our leisure facilities through investments such as this. Together, we’re creating high‑quality spaces that support healthier, more active communities across the city.”
The refurbishment of the gym follows the announcement that BH Live will also be upgrading the changing rooms at Wimbledon Park Sports Centre as part of the contract extension, ensuring investment reaches multiple areas of the city. Other investments include a refurbished group cycle studio at the Mountbatten Leisure Centre; the introduction of Reformer Pilates at Pyramids Centre in Southsea, and continued upgrades across BH Live Active facilities.
More information about Mountbatten Leisure Centre’s gym refurbishment, and other planned investments, will be shared with BH Live Active members and visitors later this year.
The Mountbatten Leisure Centre remains one of Portsmouth’s busiest leisure hubs, offering swimming, athletics, fitness classes, racket sports and more, with thousands of residents using the facility every week.
Portsmouth City Council has extended its contract with BH Live – more information here Council agrees contract extension with BH Live, strengthening citywide leisure offer – Portsmouth City Council