Northstowe’s new gym hits the mark with health, well-being and inclusivity

Two months, 700 new members, top-notch facilities and a buzz that only ‘community-done-well’ can create. It’s been a flying start. 

After its opening on January 2nd at Northstowe Secondary College, everything is in place for continued success. We visited the gym and caught up with P&E Sports’ Centre Manager, Lee Graham, about his vision for a community space that combines fitness excellence and inclusivity.

Read on, it might even be time to dust off those gym shoes… 

More than a New Year's resolution

January and the gym.

These two words are regularly seen together. But after strong starts and good intentions, things can drift by February. By March, it can become a ‘do better next year’ scenario.

Building your sustainable gym routine takes about two months of regular commitment. If you get over this hurdle (and keep going through the cold, dark mornings or nights), then you’re in. You’ll have a rhythm that will see you through the year and beyond.

Do you know three factors that help people thrive, get stuck in, and stick with the gym?

·       Setting – is it a nice place to be?

·       Inclusivity – do I fit here and see people like me?

·       Social support – do I feel supported and part of something?

Keep reading. Northstowe’s new gym is hitting the mark on each of these.

Built around a community vision

Right from the start, Homes England brought the initial funding forward and provided the land for building Northstowe Secondary College and the Learning Community. Along with providing school places, we always knew the importance of having a central community space around Phase Two. Homes England also provided a further contribution to support the opening of the gym at the school.

The new gym is managed by P&E Sports, which also manages the other sports and leisure activities at the secondary school. Now, as Northstowe has grown and construction connects the early residents all the way to the school and beyond, we’re seeing the benefits of that original vision.

FANCY A GAME?

BOOK SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES HERE:

Northstowe Secondary College - www.schoolhire.co.uk/cambridge/northstowe or www.pandesports.com/northstowe-college

Western Park Pavilion - www.elitesportsuk.com/western-park

700 members and counting…

This stat will tell you everything about the growth of the gym. When we booked to visit the gym, the number was 600. Two weeks later, you can add another 100 to the membership.  

This is outstanding.

One resident, David Shiyanbade, talked about the success of the opening: “It’s local, the equipment and facilities are brilliant, it’s friendly, and the price is good. This is exactly what Northstowe needs, it’s what I hoped it would be, and it’s great to see so many locals using it, as well as people from other villages.”

Community partners: The gym is for everyone

We loved hearing from Lee about his vision for the gym: “Our goal isn’t just to run a gym – it’s to build a positive community where people of all ages (and confidence) can come together, stay active, and support each other’s well-being.

“Whoever you are, whatever your experience, you fit here at Northstowe’s gym.”

Can you see how that vision matches the foundations laid by Homes England?  P&E Sports have run with it since they came on board, so it’s great to share it with you.

Painting a picture: How the gym works day-to-day

At the main entrance of Northstowe Secondary College, next to the Community Café, P&E Sports staff work next to the school’s reception staff. You’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

Some clever reconfiguration of changing room spaces gives you easy access to the showers and lockers, and a quick route up to the Activity Space on the first floor. Here, there are 25 spin bikes, with the main Gym above on the second floor.  

You’ll find lots of space to work in both areas, with an excellent amount of brand-new equipment and a free weights area. All this is finished with floor-to-ceiling windows to create stunning and bright workout spaces.

Back on the ground floor, the Community Café is continuing to grow and is run by volunteers a couple of evenings a week. This is a lovely space to sit and benefits from visitor Wi-Fi access. Most nights, you’ll find parents chatting at the tables as youngsters attend dance classes, all while you see a steady stream of locals arriving for a gym session or booking to use the other facilities. It’s great to see.

What members get to enjoy

£30 a month will give you full access to the gym (Weekdays, 6:00 am - 10.00 pm; Weekends and bank holidays 8:00 am - 8:00 pm). £40 lets you access the full range of 30-plus classes, of which there are two each morning and four during the day and evening. Students get a reduced price on these.

Lee talked about his team’s investment in the gym and its members. There’s a team of 5 full-time instructors employed, as well as the duty team based at the reception. This model creates an inclusive feel: “Full-time employees are invested.

“Of course, you get a full induction, but it’s never ‘one and done’ with us. There’s always someone on hand to advise, support, or just say ‘hello’ if that works for you.”

THINKING ABOUT JOINING?

Getting involved simple. You’ll find all the encouragement without the pressure:

www.pandesports.com/northstowe-college

Becoming a Gym Member

Next steps for Northstowe’s gym in 2026

Across Northstowe, passionate, community-focused people make it a brilliant place to live. It’s clear how Lee and P&E Sports have caught hold of this. Training and exercising at the gym are always about taking next steps and setting goals, so it’s no surprise that Lee and his team are full of ideas.

As Lee said, “I could happily sit all day talking about where I see this going.”

Part of the plan is to grow links to the school and work with the PE department to share expertise and promote healthy lifestyles with their curriculum. Already, many staff at the Learning Community and sixth form students are members, and this shows the strength of collaboration in shared spaces.

So, what’s also clear is that we’re going to have to come back and update you on the gym throughout 2026.