GLL, the social enterprise that operates public leisure facilities across Belfast under its Better brand, has officially opened its biggest ever reinvestment in Belfast at Better Gym Connswater. The refurbishment has transformed the gym into one of East Belfast’s premiere fitness destinations.
With works having begun in November 2025, the newly refurbished gym reopened on Monday 5 January 2026 and has already become a local fitness hub, with 300 residents joining in the first two weeks of January to start their wellbeing journey. An official opening marking the major investment was held today (January 16) and attended by Gavin Robinson MP, Belfast East MLAs Andy Allen, David Brooks, Joanne Bunting, and Peter McReynolds, and Belfast City Councillors Hedley Abernethy, Ruth Brooks, Pádraig Donnelly, Sammy Douglas, Anthony Flynn, and Gary McKeown. The project represents a complete reimagining of the gym experience, designed to inspire and empower users of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels.
The extensive upgrade introduces state-of-the-art Technogym cardio and strength equipment, alongside new functional training zones enhanced by immersive lighting. The gym now also features a redesigned welcome and members’ area, creating a comfortable social hub with seating, as well as improved accessibility and a more community-focused layout throughout the facility.
This major investment follows on from major refurbishments in 2025 in Ballysillan, Whiterock and Falls leisure centres as part of GLL’s ongoing commitment to improving leisure facilities across Belfast and supporting healthier, more active communities. The transformed Better Gym Connswater has become a vibrant wellness hub, encouraging social connection, boosting local engagement, and increasing footfall in the surrounding area in the two weeks since its reopening.
In addition to its health and wellbeing benefits, the redevelopment offers opportunities for collaboration with local businesses, brands, and community organisations, supporting economic growth and strengthening East Belfast’s profile as a modern destination for fitness and lifestyle.
Jacqui Pope, Head of Service, GLL, said:
“This transformation of Better Gym Connswater represents the single largest reinvestment GLL has ever made in a Belfast facility, and it reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the health, wellbeing and social connection of local communities. Every upgrade, every detail, and every choice has been made with our members at the centre.
“From the layout and equipment to the lighting and social spaces, the new Better Gym Connswater has been designed around how people really train and connect today. This next chapter is built around the East Belfast community, and we are incredibly proud to be delivering a modern, inclusive fitness destination that will inspire people of all ages and abilities to be active, now and into the future.
“GLL is committed to ensuring that people in every area of Belfast have access to state-of-the-art fitness and leisure facilities, and the delivery of this refurbishment in Connswater after refurbishments in Whiterock, Ballysillan, and Falls is testament to our dedication to the entirety of the city.”
Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee, said:
“I welcome this significant upgrade to Better Gym Connswater by GLL, our partner in leisure for over 10 years. It follows the £45 million invested in other centres in the east of the city since 2019 as part of the council’s citywide Leisure Transformation Programme, including Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre, Templemore Baths and Avoniel.
“All four of these centres are available to use by Better members, meaning that the people of east Belfast have an amazing selection of state-of-the-art leisure facilities to choose from. These centres, along with other upgraded facilities across the city, demonstrate our shared commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our residents. Having high-quality leisure facilities plays a huge part in our efforts to encourage more people in our community to lead healthier and more active lives.”
