Leading The Way In Health And Fitness: Active Tameside Launch Rooftop Gym and Sensory Area

Tuesday, 5 July 2022 14:39

Fitness lovers in Denton and beyond have been given a major boost amid the warm summer months thanks to an outdoor facility provided by Active Tameside.

The Wellness Centre, a state-of-the-art leisure facility based in the heart of Denton, which initially opened in 2019, officially opened a rooftop gym and sensory area for public use last week, which is said to be the first of its kind in Greater Manchester.

As well as stationary cardio equipment and weighted machines, the rooftop also boasts a number of high-tech squat racks, bench presses, battling ropes and kettlebells amongst other items.

Stationed in the centre of the 100m structure is a giant, steel structure that provides users with a chance to do pull-ups and a range of other exercises, whilst at the other end of the rooftop is an area designed for sensory play, which includes cow bells, colourful play equipment and a large astroturf area and wooden benches for relaxation.

The facility, which has been partly financed by Sport England, is the latest of Active Tameside’s offerings to improve health and fitness in the borough.

The Wellness Centre, which is just a stone’s throw away from the M67, is regarded as Active Tameside’s flagship facility and already boasts a state-of-the-art ten-pin bowling facility, swimming pool, child’s play area and indoor gym.

Now, with the latest addition open to the public, CEO Chris Rushton is confident that a new wave of gym goers, along with the wider general public, will take advantage and enjoy what’s on offer.

Speaking to Reporter Sport at the unveiling last week, Chris said: “The idea goes right back to the initial design and conceptualisation of the building; it was always acknowledged that there was going to be an enormous roof space that we could utilise for the benefit of everybody and to create a unique proposition. Sport England, who part funded this operation, agreed with that vision but, unfortunately, there was a pandemic in the middle of discussions, so it’s been delayed a little bit, but I think you’ll agree it’s been well worth waiting for ans we’re really excited to launch it to the borough.

“We’ve been at pains to ensure that along the 100 metre of roof space, there is something for everybody - whatever your age, whatever your fitness, whatever your aspirations - you’ll find hardcore heavy racks at one end and the serenity of a sensory garden at the other end and everything in between, so there’s no doubt that we will expand our catchment.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, said the Welness Centre has transformed leisure opportunities for people from Denton and across Tameside. “The facilities here are second to none, but usually when you build a leisure facility, the roof space is for the utilities and air conditioning, but Active Tameside have thought about how they can really maximise the footprint of this brilliant centre. It’s not just for Denton, but for the whole of Tameside and beyond. This is a big part of Destination Denton.”

You can see the full album of pictures from the launch below, courtesy of our photographer, Nigel Wood.