April 29, 2026
Activ8 at Billingham Forum sets the standard for public leisure with Technogym expansion
Billingham Forum in County Durham has long been a landmark community facility. Following an expansion investment of the Activ8 gym, Technogym has helped transform the space.
Tees Active is a not-for-profit charitable leisure trust that operates on behalf of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Billingham Forum is the largest leisure site in the portfolio, and a much-loved landmark. Alongside a fitness facility offering, Tees Active also delivers GP referral schemes, rehabilitation programmes, and other public health initiatives, making it a key partner in improving wellness across the region.
Membership provides access to gym facilities, swimming and group exercise classes across all Tees Active sites. Even with the affordable price point, quality is never compromised. Tees Active began planning a major expansion and refurbishment of Activ8 at Billingham Forum, aiming to create a premium offer that challenges assumptions about public leisure centre gyms.
Membership provides access to gym facilities, swimming and group exercise classes across all Tees Active sites. Even with the affordable price point, quality is never compromised. Tees Active began planning a major expansion and refurbishment of Activ8 at Billingham Forum, aiming to create a premium offer that challenges assumptions about public leisure centre gyms.
Challenging the perception of leisure centre gyms
Recognising the need to modernise the gym environment and respond to changing training trends, Tees Active launched the major refurbishment and expansion project.
The redevelopment increased the size of the gym by 50%. New zoning improved flow, and a brand-new area was created for serious strength training, with different decor and lighting to create a boutique-style space.
The main gym design combines wood finishes, industrial textures and greenery to create a modern, welcoming aesthetic that challenges assumptions of low-cost leisure centre gyms.
“We recognise that the fitness market has changed,” said Leon Jones, Managing Director. “Some people want a more strength-focused environment and a slightly edgier training space. At the same time, we needed to ensure the gym remained accessible and welcoming to our existing members and to people who may be new to exercise.”
The redevelopment increased the size of the gym by 50%. New zoning improved flow, and a brand-new area was created for serious strength training, with different decor and lighting to create a boutique-style space.
The main gym design combines wood finishes, industrial textures and greenery to create a modern, welcoming aesthetic that challenges assumptions of low-cost leisure centre gyms.
“We recognise that the fitness market has changed,” said Leon Jones, Managing Director. “Some people want a more strength-focused environment and a slightly edgier training space. At the same time, we needed to ensure the gym remained accessible and welcoming to our existing members and to people who may be new to exercise.”
A long-standing partnership with Technogym
Tees Active has partnered with Technogym for many years across its portfolio, and the relationship played an important role in shaping the expansion at Billingham Forum. Beyond the quality, durability, and long-term value of the equipment itself, Leon explained that Technogym’s strategic support was important.
"Technogym helped us think about the expansion in a different way,” Leon said. “From layout and zoning to the technology and equipment mix, Technogym worked with us to create a concept that would deliver what our members need, and prepare us for the future.”
Technogym provided design support including detailed Interior Design visuals, helping the team visualise how the space would function before installation began. The project was delivered on an ambitious timeline, with Technogym working closely with Tees Active to ensure the installation was completed quickly and efficiently.
Staff education formed a key part of the partnership. Technogym trained teams from across all Tees Active leisure sites on the new equipment and digital ecosystem, ensuring the operator is in a strong position to introduce similar upgrades across its portfolio.
"Technogym helped us think about the expansion in a different way,” Leon said. “From layout and zoning to the technology and equipment mix, Technogym worked with us to create a concept that would deliver what our members need, and prepare us for the future.”
Technogym provided design support including detailed Interior Design visuals, helping the team visualise how the space would function before installation began. The project was delivered on an ambitious timeline, with Technogym working closely with Tees Active to ensure the installation was completed quickly and efficiently.
Staff education formed a key part of the partnership. Technogym trained teams from across all Tees Active leisure sites on the new equipment and digital ecosystem, ensuring the operator is in a strong position to introduce similar upgrades across its portfolio.
The refurbished gym is now fully equipped with Technogym solutions designed to support a wide range of training styles and fitness goals.
New strength and functional training zones have introduced equipment that meets modern training trends. Technogym Universe is a central feature of the functional space, providing a versatile training station.
AI-driven assessment station Technogym Checkup is a key addition to the member journey, providing members with an advanced analysis across six metrics. The digital ecosystem connects members with the Technogym App, allowing them to log workouts, monitor progress, and access virtual content.
Skillrun, Skillrow and Skillup from Technogym Skill Line have been introduced to support functional and cardio training, helping members incorporate high-intensity conditioning and high-performance training into their routines.
New strength and functional training zones have introduced equipment that meets modern training trends. Technogym Universe is a central feature of the functional space, providing a versatile training station.
AI-driven assessment station Technogym Checkup is a key addition to the member journey, providing members with an advanced analysis across six metrics. The digital ecosystem connects members with the Technogym App, allowing them to log workouts, monitor progress, and access virtual content.
Skillrun, Skillrow and Skillup from Technogym Skill Line have been introduced to support functional and cardio training, helping members incorporate high-intensity conditioning and high-performance training into their routines.
Delivering measurable results for the community
As a not-for-profit community operator, Tees Active sees participation and engagement as a key measure of success. Early indicators suggest the investment has already delivered results, with a notable increase in younger members using the new strength area – a demographic that had previously been harder to attract.
Existing members have responded positively to the upgraded facilities. Customer satisfaction has risen dramatically, with the site’s Net Promoter Score increasing to more than 70 following the refurbishment, way above the industry benchmark.
Members and visitors are saying they’ve never seen a public leisure facility look like this before, a sure sign that Tees Active have succeeded in delivering a premium experience that remains accessible to all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
By continuing to invest in high-quality facilities and innovative training environments, Tees Active aims to strengthen its role in supporting physical activity and long-term health across Stockton-on-Tees.
Existing members have responded positively to the upgraded facilities. Customer satisfaction has risen dramatically, with the site’s Net Promoter Score increasing to more than 70 following the refurbishment, way above the industry benchmark.
Members and visitors are saying they’ve never seen a public leisure facility look like this before, a sure sign that Tees Active have succeeded in delivering a premium experience that remains accessible to all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
By continuing to invest in high-quality facilities and innovative training environments, Tees Active aims to strengthen its role in supporting physical activity and long-term health across Stockton-on-Tees.
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