The Dolphin Centre gym in Darlington has reopened after undergoing an extensive refurbishment, and The Northern Echo headed down to have a look round.

New state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, including the replacement of cardio and resistance machines as well as some additions to strength and conditioning equipment is now available for gym-goers.

The gym has a fresh new look, with new lighting and colour scheme. It had been closed for five days while the refurbishment was carried out.

The cost of membership is also being frozen at its pre-refurbishment level to support residents of Darlington and the surrounding areas considering the cost-of-living pressures.

The Northern Echo: The refurbishment only took five days. Picture: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCILThe refurbishment only took five days. Picture: DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

The Northern Echo: People of a wide variety of ages and abilities were using the gym when The Northern Echo went to have a look. Picture: AJA DODDPeople of a wide variety of ages and abilities were using the gym when The Northern Echo went to have a look. Picture: AJA DODD (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

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Gym manager Darren Cole said customers have been full of positive feedback about the new-look gym, saying it looks bigger, fresher and sleeker.

The Northern Echo: Visitor-numbers have increased since the gym reopened last week. Picture: AJA DODDVisitor-numbers have increased since the gym reopened last week. Picture: AJA DODD (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

Mr Cole said: “The roof has been replaced and there’s a new lighting theme. We’ve had a total renovation of all equipment, we’ve got the latest equipment from Technogym to give our customers the best possible experience. It’s really simple to use and user-friendly.

“We have a wide demographic of customers ranging from 14-year-olds right the way through to 90-year-olds.

“We work with our partner Connect Health as well which is the NHS muscular-skeletal team so a lot of consideration has been given to that aspect as well.

“The gym is much-improved now and I’d encourage anyone to come down and have a look and try it out. It’s the best that there is out there and we’re already starting to see an increase in people signing up.”

The Northern Echo: Gym manager, Darren Cole. Picture: AJA DODDGym manager, Darren Cole. Picture: AJA DODD (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

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Councillor Kevin Nicholson, Cabinet member for Health & Housing, visited the new-look gym on Tuesday (October 4).

The Northern Echo: Staff at the gym pride themselves on offering a friendly and welcoming environment. Picture: AJA DODD Staff at the gym pride themselves on offering a friendly and welcoming environment. Picture: AJA DODD (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

He said: “The improved gym looks fantastic, and I’m really pleased that we have been able to make yet another significant investment in the Dolphin Centre.

“Investment like this enables people in Darlington to have access to facilities which we know improves physical and mental wellbeing.”

The Northern Echo: A modern new look. Picture: AJA DODDA modern new look. Picture: AJA DODD (Image: Aja Dodd, Newsquest)

A series of ‘energy blast’ sessions was offered for gym members during the refurbishment work, with customers also able to access a range of classes.

Meanwhile, preparations are continuing for a series of events to mark the Dolphin Centre’s 40th anniversary.

Although the centre was opened in November 1982, the focus of the celebrations with the focus of the celebrations will be the half-term holidays in October.

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