Half a Million Investment for University of Roehampton's Sport Facilities
Lifestyle Fitness takeover includes addition of padel court
Students training at the existing facilities. Picture: University of Roehampton
August 5, 2026
Lifestyle Fitness has announced a £500,000 investment to transform the University of Roehampton’s sport and fitness facilities after being appointed as the University’s new operating partner. The upgraded gym and sporting spaces will reopen this September and will be available not only to students and staff, but also to local residents, families, sports clubs and community groups, creating a new hub for health, fitness and sport in Roehampton.
As part of the redevelopment, Lifestyle Fitness will introduce a brand-new bookable padel court, bringing one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports to the University. This new addition will sit alongside existing football, badminton and netball facilities, offering both the campus and the wider community even more opportunities to get active.
The investment has been designed to significantly enhance the student experience while creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Whether visiting the gym for the first time, attending a fitness class, training with friends or preparing for competition, students will benefit from modern facilities that support every stage of their health and wellbeing journey. Lifestyle Fitness brings extensive experience operating fitness facilities within universities, schools and community settings across the UK, combining high-quality equipment with inclusive programming that encourages healthier lifestyles and stronger connections between education providers and their local communities.
The transformation will include expanded strength training areas with new free weights and resistance equipment, dedicated functional fitness spaces with a new training rig, a recovery zone featuring Hyperice massage guns and recovery boots, a refurbished group exercise studio with unlimited classes included in membership, and contemporary interiors with improved lighting, flooring and redesigned training spaces. To allow the refurbishment to take place, the gym will temporarily closed on Sunday 3 August before reopening for the new academic year in September.
James Lawrence, Managing Director of Lifestyle Fitness, said the investment represents a commitment to creating a welcoming destination for wellbeing that benefits both students and the wider community. He explained that the aim is to support every stage of someone’s fitness journey, whether they are taking their first steps into the gym, training for sport or simply looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. He added that the team is excited to welcome everyone through the doors and become a positive part of both the University and the Roehampton community.
James Ayres, Director of Sport at the University of Roehampton, said the partnership marks a significant step forward in the University’s commitment to providing an outstanding health, fitness and wellbeing experience. He highlighted the importance of physical activity in supporting health, wellbeing and student success, and emphasised that the new facilities will create greater opportunities for people to be active, build confidence and become part of a thriving campus community.
To celebrate the launch, Lifestyle Fitness is offering an exclusive Early Bird membership at £14.99 per month for the first 12 months. The offer is available to University of Roehampton students and staff as well as members of the local community who join before the club reopens. Alongside gym memberships, the new padel court and existing football, badminton and netball facilities will also be available to hire separately, giving local people even more ways to enjoy the University’s enhanced sporting provision.
Lifestyle Fitness will continue to share updates throughout the refurbishment, including behind-the-scenes progress and previews of the transformation ahead of welcoming members through the doors this September. For more information or to secure the Early Bird Offer, visit the Lifestyle Fitness Roehampton page at Lifestyle Fitness Roehampton.
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