Gladiator ready to hang tough at £25m gym opening

One of the stars of the hit BBC One show Gladiators has been hanging tough at the opening of a brand new £25m leisure centre.

Former Team GB sprinter and Nitro from the show was ready to help launch Houghton Regis Leisure and Community Centre.

The state-of-the-art centre features a 25m swimming pool, learner pool with moveable floor, fitness suite, group exercise studios and squash courts.

The building, on Parkside Drive, is on the site of Kingsland Campus, by Houstone School.

Money for the facility came from Central Bedfordshire Council and a £20m government grant.

It also has a café, flexible community space, relaxation room and children's outdoor play zone.

Gary Foley, from Everyone Active, who will run the centre, said: "A new era of leisure and community in Houghton Regis is beginning, with fantastic facilities offering something for everyone, regardless of your age, interests or ability."

Independent councillor Steve Watkins, executive member for assets, business and housing at the council, said: "We have been working hard to deliver a brand new, state of the art leisure and community centre for the local people of Houghton Regis – and I am very excited that this weekend it'll be opening its doors for the first time and welcoming people to come in and have a look at this impressive facility.

"We've invested over £50m into the Kingsland Campus in the last couple of years and it's great to see the area being developed to benefit everyone, especially our young people."

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