A project to transform six artificial training pitches at BH Live Active, Pelhams in North Bournemouth has completed.
BH Live, the registered charity and social enterprise that operates the leisure centre in partnership with BCP Council, invested more than £240K to enhance the well-attended community facilities.
The centre’s outdoor five-a-side pitches were resurfaced with the latest in 3G rubber crumb technology to replicate a traditional football pitch. New kickboards, netting and fencing were installed to improve the player’s experience. The work was led by SIS (Surfaces In Sport), who have previously designed pitches internationally for premier league matches, cricket matches, and much more.
The pitches are open year-round and are popular with local clubs, football fans, and schools, who regularly visit Pelhams for training, pay as you go sessions, leagues and matches.
Maddison Millington-Stanbury, Arsenal football goalie, regularly trains at the centre through the FANS (Free Access for National Sportspeople) membership scheme. Maddison visited the centre to celebrate the completion of the project. She said;
“Having regular access to high-quality training pitches and local clubs such as the ones available at Pelhams has been extremely important in my journey to become an Arsenal football goalie. The refurbished pitches look and feel incredible – BH Live and the team at the centre have done a fantastic job!”
The FANS scheme is a sports development initiative providing support to leading sports performers by reducing the financial burden of training costs.
The scheme provides nationally ranked sports people with free access to participating local authority leisure and sports facilities at designated times, for personal training and development. More than 50 people are regularly active through the FANS scheme at BH Live Active leisure centres across the BCP region.
On behalf of BH Live, Rob Cunningham, Director of Leisure and Business Development, shared;
“Thanks to continued investment into these community facilities, we are actively encouraging more visitors to engage in physical activity. We hope that this refurbishment project will encourage more young people to discover a love of football and have a go at a new sport. I want to offer my special thanks to Maddison for coming along to celebrate the improved facilities with us.”
For more information about BH Live Active, Pelhams, including opening times, pitch bookings, and facilities, visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams, the BH Live Active app, on pop into the centre to speak with a member of the team.
More information about BCP Councils’ FANS membership scheme, including criteria and how to apply can be found at bcpcouncil.gov.uk
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Notes to Editors:
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Daisy Saunders, PR & Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
About BH Live
BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues; a registered charity and social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us:
LinkedIn, X – @BHLIVE_UK
Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
BH Live is a leisure and cultural trust, established in 2010 as a ‘non profit distributing organisation’ (NPDO) for public benefit to promote participation in leisure and cultural events. BH Live is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. Charity No: 1138311. Company No: 07092112. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. BH Live (Enterprises) Ltd, is a Private Company Limited by Shares and a wholly owned subsidiary of BH Live. Company No: 07175626. VAT Reg No: 108 2248 37. Registered Office: Bournemouth International Centre, Exeter Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5BH. Registered in England and Wales.
About Pelhams Park Leisure Centre
Located in Kinson (North Bournemouth), BH Live Active, Pelhams is operated by the registered charity BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
A vibrant community hub, the team at Pelhams works closely with the local community and health groups to provide fitness and social activities for all.
High-quality fitness facilities include a recently refurbished gym (2023) with natural daylight and park views. Equipment includes Techniglym’s cardio, resistance equipment for strength and toning, free weights and functional fitness space. An exercise referral team provides guidance and support for people recovering from an illness, injury or who are living with long term health condition.
Swimming facilities include two pools with lane swimming, public swim sessions, pool-based classes, fun for young people, lessons and more. There is also a sauna for post workout relaxation.
Group exercise classes run seven days a week including Les Mills™ BodyPump, BodyJam, BodyCombat, Sprint, Dance, Lifting Techniques, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, Core, Zumba and so much more. There also a dedicated Technogym Group cycle studio with daily classes.
Pelhams is home to BH Live Active’s only Wellness Hub. With power-assisted exercise equipment and classes, this specialist area is a great introduction to being more active. (not included in standard adult membership; extra charges apply).
Open to members and non members there is a Terrace Café with free customer WiFi and a children’s soft play facility. Here you can buy snacks, meals and drinks to enjoy indoors or outdoors.
Outdoors there are outdoor tennis courts for hire plus floodlit 3G rubber crumb artificial training pitches.
Free customer parking including accessible spaces for blue badge holders, subject to availability.
For more visit bhliveactive.org.uk/pelhams
Get social with us:
X and Instagram @bhliveactive | Facebook @pelhamsparkleisurecentre