Russell Seal fitness Centre to change Exeter’s fitness landscape

Construction work on the new £6.5 million Russell Seal Fitness Centre at the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus is nearing completion.

Opening on 23 September, the Centre marks the final stage of the University’s £8 million redevelopment of Streatham Sports Park, and promises to bring a world-class training facility to the city for the first time.

“The project is going exceptionally well,” Commented Director of Sport Phil Attwell.

“The Centre will house over 200 pieces of Life Fitness™ equipment, a new fitness studio, changing rooms and improvements to the parking environment onsite which will benefit the whole community.”

The two storey centre will feature a dedicated free-weights room and spacious cardio training area upstairs. Over £1/2million has been invested in equipment alone with features like Synrgy 360™, and multimedia entertainment systems which are set to raise the bar for gyms in and around Exeter.

The site was recently visited by former University of Exeter Chair of Governors, and the Centre’s namesake, Russell Seal OBE.

He commented: “Having been associated with the University of Exeter as Chair of Council I am delighted that the centre has been named in my honour. I have seen firsthand, the important role that the University plays in the local sporting community and to be able to offer such an advanced fitness facility is outstanding.”

Since the project began in June 2012 the Sports Park site has changed dramatically, phase one seeing a six outdoor tennis /netball courts permanently covered, a new hockey pavilion erected and new Multi Use Games Area built. Now in phase two, contractors Kier are confident that the most challenging part of the build will be delivered on time.

Kier Operations Director Andrew Irving said: “Work is going really well on Phase two of the development of the university’s sports facilities and we are on schedule to hand over the new Russell Seal Fitness Centre in the summer.

"Next year’s students - and members of the public - will benefit from this superb new fitness suite which, when combined with work done in Phase one will vastly improve the sport facilities offered by the university. 

“Kier have been a brilliant partner in the project and we are excited about taking possession of the building in September.” Added Phil Attwell. “Work is progressing fantastically and to see the change day by day is incredibly satisfying.”

Membership for the new facility will be available to all members of the local community. Information on packages will be released on 1 August. For further information visit www.exeter.ac.uk/sport