For some years, plans had been mooted to fill in a bite-shaped gap at the back of the Hungerford Leisure Centre with an extension that could be used for a range of exercise and fitness classes.

This started under the previous West Berkshire administration but the scheme ran into problems, including with the BREEAM sustainable construction regulations. A way was eventually found round that: then there were questions over the funding; then there were the local elections; then a change of management of all the leisure centres in the district. It began to look like one of those projects that was fated never to get off the ground.

Fortunately this changed in 2024. “Got off the ground” the extension certainly did: for, rather than being build on site it came pre-fabricated and was lowered into place by one of the largest cranes we’ve ever seen. For obvious reasons, the job needed calm weather. This was not something that the original date, 7 December, was able to provide. The following Saturday 14 December, however, provided ideal conditions. The new multi-functional activity and fitness studio was craned into place without incident will be be completed early in the new year.

“Residents of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy a variety of classes in the brand-new studio,” a spokesperson for West Berkshire Council told Penny Post. “We can’t wait for local people to start using and enjoying this new space.”

We will have more information in the New Year about this and will announce when it is open.