The University of Sussex has completed a major revamp of its on-campus fitness facilities, providing students and staff with access to a larger, modernised gym and a brand-new wellbeing studio.
The redevelopment marks a significant investment in student and staff wellbeing, following feedback from the 2024 Student Spaces Survey. Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil visited the newly renovated Sports Centre gym and highlighted the university’s commitment to student wellbeing. She noted that the expanded, more accessible facility reflects Sussex’s dedication to fostering “human flourishing,” a core element of the Sussex 2035 strategy. Roseneil expressed hope that the upgrade will inspire more students and staff to regularly use the gym, supporting their physical health and mental resilience.
What’s New
The Sports Centre on the lower campus now features a larger, reconfigured gym with modern Life Fitness machines and a dedicated strength and conditioning suite. Overall, the capacity has increased from 105 to 148 workout stations, allowing more users to train simultaneously than ever before. The gym now features dedicated zones for functional training, stretching areas, and cardio circuits, providing students with more variety in their workouts.
The four squash courts in the Sports Centre closed permanently on 16 June to make way for the new facilities, reflecting growing student demand for strength, cardio, and functional fitness spaces.
Active Arches
Next to the Student Centre, Sussex Sport has launched Active Arches, consisting of a new wellbeing and fitness studio. This informal, welcoming space is designed for small group sessions or solo workouts and is equipped with mats, stretch bands, and fitness balls. Making it ideal for yoga, Pilates, or moments of mindfulness.
The Big Picture
The refurbishment has now brought modern fitness options closer to students, with facilities on both the lower and upper campuses upgraded. A Sussex Sport spokesperson says the changes mark a “significant step” in enhancing wellbeing across the university community. The redevelopment initiative is part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy to integrate physical activity and mental well-being into daily student life. Continuous assessment and feedback mechanisms will ensure that the facilities evolve to meet the campus community’s needs. Additionally, Sussex Sport intends to broaden its schedules, introducing more varied classes and organising wellbeing-centred events throughout the year.
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