Leisure Update

£1 million upgrade announced for BH Live Active Littledown leisure centre

BH Live is investing £1 million to upgrade health and wellbeing facilities at Littledown leisure centre, enhancing gyms, pools and community fitness programmes.

Modern gym interior featuring weights, exercise bikes, and motivational wall art
The upgraded BH Live Active Littledown leisure centre showcases a vibrant gym space with new equipment and inspiring decor.

£1 million investment to transform BH Live Active Littledown

BH Live has announced a significant £1 million investment into the health and wellbeing facilities at BH Live Active Littledown, Bournemouth’s flagship leisure centre. This development aims to enhance the centre’s offerings and improve the experience for visitors and local residents, ensuring the venue remains a cornerstone for community health and fitness.

Interior of a modern gym with treadmills, rowing machines, and weights on black flooring
The upgraded gym area at BH Live Active Littledown features new equipment and spacious flooring for enhanced workouts.

Overview of the Investment

This substantial funding is dedicated to upgrading the health and wellbeing facilities at Littledown. The investment reflects BH Live’s commitment to providing high-quality leisure services in Bournemouth. It supports community health and fitness by modernising the centre’s infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its users.

The work is scheduled to begin in November, signalling a new chapter for the leisure centre. The upgrades will help meet the growing demand for modern health and fitness facilities in the area, ensuring the centre remains competitive and welcoming for all ages and abilities.

What is BH Live Active Littledown?

BH Live Active Littledown is a key leisure centre in Bournemouth. It offers a wide range of facilities including swimming pools, gyms, fitness classes, and wellness programmes. The centre serves as a hub for residents seeking to improve their physical health and wellbeing, from casual swimmers to serious athletes.

Managed by BH Live, a charity organisation, the centre is part of a network of leisure venues across the region. BH Live focuses on community engagement and promoting active lifestyles for all ages and abilities, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.

Facilities at BH Live Active Littledown

The centre boasts two swimming pools, including a main pool and a smaller teaching pool. These pools cater to casual swimmers, families, and those learning to swim, making it a popular destination for all age groups. The pools are supported by lifeguards and offer swimming lessons and aquatic fitness classes.

There is also a large gym with the latest equipment, designed to accommodate users from beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts. The gym features a variety of cardiovascular machines, free weights, resistance training equipment, and functional training zones.

Fitness studios provide space for a variety of classes such as yoga, Pilates, spin, and high-intensity interval training. These classes cater to different fitness levels and interests, encouraging community participation and social interaction.

Additionally, the centre offers wellness programmes that include physiotherapy, health assessments, and tailored fitness plans. These services support rehabilitation, injury prevention, and long-term health goals.

Planned Improvements and Facilities

While specific details of the planned improvements have not been fully disclosed, the investment is expected to cover several key areas:

  • Upgrading gym equipment and fitness studios to the latest standards, ensuring users have access to modern machines and technology that enhance workout effectiveness and safety.
  • Enhancing swimming pool facilities for better accessibility and comfort, which may include improved changing areas, upgraded poolside seating, and better water quality systems.
  • Expanding health and wellbeing programmes, including new classes, therapies, and community outreach initiatives designed to engage a wider audience and support diverse health needs.
  • Improving changing rooms and communal areas to increase visitor convenience and comfort, with a focus on modern design, cleanliness, and accessibility features.

These enhancements will help Littledown maintain its status as a leading leisure destination in Bournemouth. The upgrades will cater to diverse fitness needs and preferences, supporting both casual users and dedicated athletes.

Why This Investment Matters for Bournemouth

This investment is more than just a facelift. It represents a commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Bournemouth community. By offering better facilities, BH Live Active Littledown can attract more visitors, encouraging regular exercise and supporting mental wellbeing.

Improved leisure centres contribute to reducing health inequalities by providing accessible spaces for physical activity. This aligns with broader efforts in Bournemouth to promote healthy living and community wellbeing through accessible leisure services, complementing initiatives across the town’s parks, beaches, and community centres.

The upgrade will also create opportunities for local employment during the renovation phase and beyond, as new programmes and services expand. This economic boost benefits the wider Bournemouth area, supporting jobs in fitness, health, and customer service sectors.

Impact on the Local Community

The investment will not only improve the physical infrastructure but also boost local health initiatives. By providing better facilities, BH Live Active Littledown can attract more visitors, encourage regular exercise, and support mental wellbeing.

Local schools and community groups often use the centre for sports and recreational activities. The improvements will enhance these partnerships, offering better environments for youth and community engagement. This helps promote healthy habits from an early age and fosters social cohesion.

The centre’s role as a social hub will be strengthened, helping to combat social isolation and promote inclusivity across Bournemouth. It will continue to be a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities to connect and thrive.

Timeline and What to Expect During Renovations

Work on the transformation will commence in November. BH Live aims to manage the construction phase efficiently to minimise disruption to members and visitors.

During the renovation period, certain areas of the centre might be temporarily closed or have limited access. However, the team plans to keep most facilities operational to continue serving the community. Safety measures will be strictly enforced to ensure a secure environment throughout the upgrade.

Regular updates will be provided to members about any changes in opening hours or available services. BH Live is committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment throughout the upgrade, with clear communication to ease any inconvenience.

How to Stay Updated and Get Involved

Residents interested in following the progress of the investment or participating in new programmes can keep an eye on BH Live’s official channels and local news outlets for updates.

Joining BH Live Active Littledown as a member or visitor will provide opportunities to experience the upgraded facilities as they become available. Membership options often include access to all facilities, classes, and wellness programmes, with flexible packages to suit different needs.

Community engagement events and open days may be organised to showcase the new facilities once the work is complete, offering a chance for locals to explore and celebrate the improvements.


For more information on leisure centres and activities in Bournemouth, explore our Things to Do section. To plan your visit and find accommodation nearby, see our Where to Stay page.

Discover other local leisure options in our Leisure Centres guide. For official information about BH Live and its services, visit BH Live's website.

Explore more about Bournemouth’s health and leisure scene in our Bournemouth local guide to beaches, gardens, attractions and dining.

Frequently asked questions

What is the £1 million investment at BH Live Active Littledown for?

The £1 million investment is aimed at upgrading the health and wellbeing facilities at BH Live Active Littledown. It will cover improvements such as new gym equipment, enhanced swimming pool facilities, expanded health and wellbeing programmes, and better changing rooms and communal areas. This investment is part of BH Live's commitment to providing high-quality leisure services in Bournemouth.

When will the renovation work at BH Live Active Littledown begin?

The renovation work is scheduled to begin in November. BH Live plans to manage the construction efficiently to minimise disruption to members and visitors. During the renovation period, some areas of the centre may be temporarily closed or have limited access, but most facilities will remain operational.

What facilities does BH Live Active Littledown currently offer?

BH Live Active Littledown offers a wide range of facilities including swimming pools, gyms, fitness classes, and wellness programmes. It serves as a key leisure centre in Bournemouth for residents looking to improve their physical health and wellbeing. The centre is managed by BH Live, a charity organisation focused on community engagement and promoting active lifestyles.

How will the investment benefit the local community?

The investment will improve the physical infrastructure of BH Live Active Littledown, making it more attractive and accessible for visitors. This will encourage more people to exercise regularly and support mental wellbeing. The development supports broader efforts in Bournemouth to promote healthy living and community wellbeing through accessible leisure services.

Will the leisure centre remain open during the upgrade works?

BH Live aims to keep most facilities operational during the renovation to continue serving the community. However, certain areas might be temporarily closed or have limited access while work is underway. The centre will manage the construction phase to minimise disruption as much as possible.

How can residents stay updated on the progress of the upgrades?

Residents can follow updates on the progress of the investment through BH Live's official channels and local news outlets. Joining BH Live Active Littledown as a member or visitor will also provide opportunities to experience the upgraded facilities as they become available.

Local News bh-livelittledownleisure-centrebournemouthhealth-and-wellbeingcommunityfitnessinvestment
Share WhatsApp X Facebook

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to join the conversation.

Join the conversation

Keep it civil and on topic. Comments are checked by an editor before they appear.

Your name is shown next to your comment. Your email address is optional, never published and only used if we need to contact you about your comment. Comments are moderated, so there may be a short delay before yours appears.

Planning your visit?

Where to stay in Bournemouth

Clifftop hotels, serviced apartments a street back from the sand and the quieter beds out at Southbourne, with the areas each one suits.

Where to stay →