University of East Anglia SportsPark Norwich, United Kingdom
University of East Anglia SportsPark (UEA SportsPark)
Being ranked in the top 25 of universities within the UK as seen in the 2021 Complete University Guide and Times University Guide. UEA is the home of sport, but also open to members of the public. 17,000 students, 3,300 staff and 1,500 academics. The facilities cater to a varied demographic of members both in and out of term time, so the equipment and experiences offered must reflect the diversity of gym users. UEA has a unique mix of demographics, ranging from the student population and non-student population.
The last refurbed process that took place in UEA was in 2013, therefore a new modernisation feel had to come into play, to keep up with latest trends and technology. Nearby competitors were attracting students to work out off campus, meaning a programmable space was needed to attract their 80 sports teams to train on site and use facilities without impacting their member experience. The process included increasing free weight capacity whilst retaining existing offerings. As well as this, the plan was to expand the functional training areas.
UEA and Life Fitness
It is always important that all installation processes and the final product is always kept to a high standard. Life Fitness is known for producing high quality results based upon our successful reputation in the industry. Life Fitness also strives to maintain positive working relationships with partners and provide full support both during and after a project has been completed.
This was a long thought project, that took place over a span of more than two years. With Life Fitness and UEA’s positive working relationship, both parties were able to work collaboratively during this time frame, through regular meetings, producing updated floor plans and hosting product demos, all to deliver a solution that would meet the users’ needs both now and for the future.
With careful planning and communication between the two, several noteworthy changes and upgrades have been made to the UEA facility. The latest cardio and performance line implemented has modernised Sportspark product and tech offering, enhanced free-weight area moving from 4 benches to 11 and adding in some powerlifting items, creation of new strength & conditioning area with the inclusion of a double squash court to attract sports teams whilst retaining strength & conditioning offering on the main gym floor and finally the switch from Synrgy360 to Synrgy180 has allowed for more space to retain its open small group training space. UEA have seen positive numbers since the relaunch in terms of increased membership enrolments and overwhelmingly positive feedback from its users.