The Lincoln University Rec Centre is starting its own fitness transformation.
In October a major $10 million upgrade begins, adding approximately 1800m² floor space, and new exercise, teaching and research space.
The main gym will more than double in size, there will be a separate RPM room, external exercise space, multiuse studio and revamped changing facilities.
The upgrade begins in October with the refurbishment of the external changing rooms and then the main work will begin in early 2020, with a scheduled finish in February 2021.
Executive Director Campus Life at Lincoln University, Stuart Reilly, said the facility was last upgraded in 1995, and the improved facilities and new equipment would give students and the Centre’s community members more options, and make it even more “fit for purpose”.
The focus for the refurbishment is on student sport and fitness needs, Mr Reilly said, and would include a new sport and exercise lab for research, contributing to the expertise the centre could offer to the public through being part of a University.
He said the work would be staged, so as to ensure as little disruption as possible to Centre users, and there will be regular updates on progress for Centre members.
The upgrade is part of a wider Campus Development Plan which aims to develop a more modern, vibrant and safe campus, providing a positive campus experience for students and staff, and growing Lincoln University’s future as a world-class research and teaching precinct.
Environmental sustainability is at the core of the campus improvements, which includes energy diversification measures such as the use of renewable energy sources like solar energy.
Other campus improvements include:
• New student spaces
• New science facilities
• New student accommodation
• The establishment of a new Joint Postgraduate School on campus.