The Ryland Centre a year on

Bromsgrove District Council celebrate a year since the successful transfer of ownership of the Ryland Centre to Bromsgrove School.

In 2023, an agreement was reached between Bromsgrove District Council and Bromsgrove School for the Ryland Centre to be operated by Bromsgrove School with a Community Use Agreement in place to protect the future of the building.

In the year since Bromsgrove School have been successful in delivering several improvements to the facility and increasing community use of the resource.

Bromsgrove School’s Bursar, Lesley Brookes, said: “Bromsgrove School is thrilled with the success of the Ryland Centre since it took it over in April 2023 and the strong links that it is providing between the School and the community.

“A complete gym refurbishment has taken place with the gym now increased to a 45-station gym (up from 30 stations). A new dedicated functional fitness room and a dedicated legs room with plate loaded hack squat is a highlight to many gym goers. The gym now also offers additional plate loaded equipment which was not provided in the gym’s previous set up and which is very popular. The new layout enhances every user’s gym experience, making the gym accessible for all no matter their experience level.

“The fitness class timetable has also been upgraded from 27 classes a week to 35 currently. New classes include Zumba, Yoga, and Indoor Cycling. There are plans for even more classes to come soon.

“Refurbishment works have been carried out to the athletics track, which will extend its lifespan considerably. The track is already in use for the new athletics season fixtures and for the hugely popular couch to 5k programme.”

Current and near future projects for the centre include new signage, external building improvements and landscaping of the grounds.

Bromsgrove District Council’s Head of Regeneration, Planning, and Leisure, Ruth Bamford, said: “We are pleased that the work to secure the future of the Ryland Centre by entering into an agreement with Bromsgrove School and implementing a Community Use Agreement has been successful. We are delighted with the work that Bromsgrove School have undertaken to improve the facility and ensure the continued commitment to community use.”

Bromsgrove School’s Ryland Centre Manager, Christian Weston, added: “Over the year community bookings have almost doubled in the facility - up from 25 hours per week to 47 hours per week. We are delighted that amongst others these clubs regularly use the Ryland Centre: Ryland Netball, Special Olympics; Little Kickers, Amber Support Services, Mercian Fitness and Nordic Walking Group, Rollers Roller Disco as well as the massively popular Sports Stars holiday clubs.”

If you have any questions about the offerings of the Ryland centre or would like to receive a tour of the facility, you can talk to staff either at the centre on New Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2JS, by phone on 01527 575387, or by email on info@rylandcentre.co.uk.