Latics and Warriors celebrate 'start of something special' at Robin Park

Latics and Warriors celebrate 'start of something special' at Robin Park

Latics stars Joe Adams and Joe Hungbo visit the new-look gym at Robin Park Leisure Centre

Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors stars have helped kick off a new era at Robin Park Leisure Centre.

Latics duo Joe Hungbo and Joe Adams and Warriors Ethan Havard, George O’Loughlin and Kian McDermott were among the special guests at the official reopening of the Wigan facility’s gym and studio spaces on Saturday 29 November.

The event was to celebrate the completion of an exciting makeover, which has included brand-new training equipment and a fresh new look.

It also marked the start of a closer link-up with the town’s professional sports clubs, whose community foundations will be taking up permanent residence at the centre with full-time office spaces.

Councillor Danny Fletcher, Wigan Council’s lead member for leisure and public health, said: “Be Well leisure centres aren’t just gyms, they’re community hubs where people come together to feel healthier, happier, and more connected.

“This transformation at Robin Park is about giving residents the very best, cutting-edge equipment, inspiring spaces, and a place that motivates every visit. We’re thrilled with the results and I’m sure all our members and customers will be too!

“And with Latics and Warriors part of the family, we’re really pleased to welcome them to their new home. This is more than a makeover, it’s the start of something special for Wigan.”

Located opposite The Brick Community Stadium, Robin Park Leisure Centre is the fourth Be Well site to get a major upgrade since last summer – following similar investment at Ashton, Leigh and Howe Bridge. 

The new equipment includes Technogym’s state-of-the-art Checkup machines which calculate a user’s ‘Wellness Age’ based on important body metrics to give a holistic assessment of health and fitness.

Meanwhile, work is also underway on a new café and social space in the main lobby, which is set to be open in February.

And as a further bonus, new members can currently get the first month of any 12-month membership package free if they join using the code BEWELLWINTER – unlocking unlimited gym access, group exercise classes and sports sessions plus swimming at Be Well pools across the borough. For more information on how to join, please visit the Be Well membership webpage (external link). 

Warriors prospect George O’Loughlin, son of club legend and assistant coach Sean, said: “I think it’s class! I used to come here when I was 14 or 15 and even then it was a good gym full of friendly staff, but now it’s had all these improvements it looks like a class place to come to.”

The Latics and Warriors pros were joined at the launch by some of the young local athletes who are being supported by the council’s Believe Talent Fund, which has previously backed the likes of Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and Commonwealth bronze medallists Charlie Bowling and Harry Coppell.

Top wrestling and jiu-jitsu prospect Blaize Tingle and siblings Isaac and Hermione Roberts, who compete internationally in dodgeball and American Football respectively, all feature on the gym’s new ‘Our Future Stars’ wall – a public show of support for the youngsters as they chase their own dreams of stardom.

Also taking pride of place in the sporting showcase are England touch rugby prospects Dylan and Ethan Sharpe while more beneficiaries will be spotlighted in the future. The fund is sponsored by local businesses JJH Contractors Ltd and Fielden Factors, who were also at the launch.

For more information, please visit the Believe Talent Fund webpage (external link).