Olympic medallist backs £33.9m Leighton Buzzard leisure centre to inspire more people into sport
Leighton Leisure and Community Centre will officially open today
Olympic legend Colin Jackson CBE says he hopes a new state-of-the-art leisure centre in Leighton Buzzard will encourage more people to take up sport and improve their health.
The former world champion hurdler will officially open the new £33.9 million Leighton Leisure and Community Centre today, alongside Paralympic swimming champion Maisie Summers-Newton MBE.
Operated by Everyone Active on behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council, the new facility represents a £33.9 million investment in health, wellbeing and community facilities for Leighton Buzzard and the surrounding area.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Colin Jackson said modern, welcoming facilities play an important role in encouraging people to stay active.
"I think it's really important for us to have a great facility," he said.
"One of the things that attracts people to facilities is they're really nice, they're new, shiny, well maintained, and the staff are nice. So, if you have all this collaboration, it encourages you to go and use it again and again."
He added: "I always say to people, the more you do and have a try, the better you become at it and, all of a sudden, it could become a job."
Jackson also highlighted the wider health benefits of regular exercise.
"Health and fitness is really important," he said.
"It will ultimately help the whole system of your body. So, if we can generally keep people healthier, we place less strain on NHS resources."
The new centre replaces Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and features an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a learner pool with a movable floor, a dedicated splash pool, a 150-station gym and a range of modern fitness, leisure and community spaces.
Councillor Steven Watkins, Central Bedfordshire Council's Executive Member for Assets, Business and Housing, said: "We are proud to be opening our fifth new leisure centre, demonstrating our long-term commitment to improving opportunity and quality of life across our communities.
"This fantastic new facility is a major investment in residents' health and wellbeing and will provide modern, accessible spaces for people of all ages to enjoy for many years to come."
Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre closed at midday on Friday ahead of the move to the new facility. Existing memberships have transferred automatically to Leighton Leisure and Community Centre, with opening times remaining unchanged.