Construction has begun on a £1.4m project to build a gym in Aylsham.

The 40-station gym will be operated by Aylsham Sports Hub based at Aylsham High School.

The project is expected to be completed in early summer 2025 and will be opened as a community facility available to all.

Organisers say the aim is to provide the community with a health and well-being centre that will include a variety of services, including physiotherapy.

The gym will be accessible via membership options and as pay-as-you-go passes.

This is the third stage of the sports hub project, with the next step being the development of a community café and changing facilities for the school's 3G pitch.

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Aylsham Sports Hub Leisure and Community buildingAylsham Sports Hub Leisure and Community building (Image: Jo Huttley)

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The school and sports hub team are currently consulting with a gym planning company to advise on the best use of the space.

However, the team would also like to hear from Aylsham residents about what they would like to see at the new gym.

Jo Tuttle, director of business and community strategy at Aylsham High School said: “We are extremely excited to have this project underway.

"It has been a long journey to get to this point, we have seen the refurbished pool and full size 3G pitch come to fruition over the last five years but this is the most exciting project yet, which will provide a 40 station gym, class space and changing facilities for the Aylsham community.

"We are very grateful to the Greater Norwich Growth Board for their £400,000 donation."

In order to complete the funding and start the building work, additional funding has been secured through a loan. 

Organisers would like to reduce the loan amount as much as possible, so if anyone feels they can support with this, or sponsor any areas of the build to achieve this goal, get in touch with Jo Tuttle at Aylsham High School.