CHRISTCHURCH’S popular leisure facility has been named as the South West Leisure Centre of the Year in this year’s Prestige Awards.

Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex is emerging triumphant in 2021 with its new accolade, awarded by online business platform Corporate Livewire.

The Corporate Livewire South West England Prestige Awards 2020/21 recognise small and medium-sized businesses that have proven to be the best in their market over the past 12 months.

Business Development Team Leader at Two Riversmeet Dan Stone said: “I am incredibly proud of all the staff at 2RM who have adapted to all the changes that lockdown brought.

“Our fitness team were able to offer an online class provision which not only kept our members engaged and active, but also the wider community.

“Exercise is known to relieve tension and stress as well as boost physical and mental health which has never been more important than during these times.”

Over the last year, more than 800 online fitness classes have been delivered by the Two Riversmeet team with over 150,000 views to date, including High Intensity Interval Training, pilates, gym specific sessions and body conditioning classes.

As well as delivering online classes, Two Riversmeet utilised the lockdown periods to develop and refurbish all areas of the leisure facility.

On top of this, the leisure complex implemented a number of Covid-19 safety measures for their reopening last summer which allowed the team to continue its services in a safe, socially distanced environment.

Although the gym and swimming pool at the leisure facility near the River Avon is now open, having been closed during the most recent lockdown, fitness classes won't start again until mid-May.

Dan added: “We work hard on BCP Council’s fulfilled lives pledge to promote happy, active and healthy lifestyles and it is wonderful to be able to share this award with our staff and customers.

“It was great to open our outdoor football pitches last week and we are excited to reopen the indoor facilities from Monday April 12.

“We encourage people to come and see our fully refurbished facilities, most noticeably our fitness suite with amazing discounts of up to 35 per cent off available for new members.”