The first stage of customer consultation around the £750K investment being made in Bell’s Sports Centre is now complete with almost 1000 local people contributing via a public survey.

Given the scale and ambition of the project, it was important to us that we heard from both existing customers and non-users. As we look to upgrade our original, flagship venue we want to ensure we are providing a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that will attract new people and inspire the next generation of fitness users.

While 70% of responses came from existing members and card users, it was encouraging that 26% came from people who currently use a different gym or who have never been a Live Active customer. This has given us a clearer insight into our local community’s fitness needs as a whole and will better inform plans and briefing documents as we prepare to appoint equipment suppliers and contractors.

The survey asked respondents to rate and comment on various aspects of our service including which venues they used most, types of classes, times of day they attend, equipment preferences and how they like to book.

In line with current fitness trends, there was a focus on gym, functional/strength and conditioning, and as expected, the majority of respondents like to use CV and resistance equipment. In addition to this, and significantly 66% said they would like to see Strength & Conditioning small group sessions suggesting that customers would use this type of equipment more if they had instruction.

When it comes to equipment features, quick start functionality and easy programming rated higher than TV and streaming or links to phones and fitness trackers. It appears that people want to come in, get on and get going! In addition to this, respondents also made specific mention of squat racks, kettle bells, punching bags, ropes and steppers all of which would bring a new and fresh approach to fitness at Bell’s.

When asked to comment on booking classes or gym, online and mobile were the top choices, which is consistent to feedback we are receiving in other areas of the business. This is an area of our service we have been reviewing for some time now and we are currently looking into ways on how we can improve this for the opening of this fantastic new fitness venue.

Finally, we asked customers for any other comments about LAL or specifically about the new development. From the 912 people who completed the survey 265 left a response. There was a variety of responses ranging from online booking to classes to excitement around the new development. Encouragingly fewer than 3% of respondents voiced concern over the relocation of Live Active Rodney.

This feedback has been invaluable to our thinking and we would like to thank everyone who took time to participate in this survey and in helping us in creating a new facility, suitable for the whole of Perth and Kinross.