Locals trying out some five-a-side football, badminton or pickleball at Bedford International Athletics Stadium on Barkers Lane may have recently noticed a difference, after work to redecorate the sports hall has been completed – all by the team who work there.
The project was completed by a team of three staff members, who redecorated the 1,632 square feet sports hall over a two-week period, giving every area of the space a fresh new look ahead of the summer months.
Bedford International Athletic Stadium is operated under the Better brand by GLL, a not for profit social enterprise that runs five sports facilities across Bedford on behalf of Bedford Borough Council.
“The difference the refresh has made has been really well received by our customers,” said GLL’s General Manager at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Amy Draper.
“The team took great pride in completing the work themselves, and it has completely changed how the sports hall looks and feels for the people who use it every day,” she added.
The eight-court sports hall accommodates both indoor athletics and indoor sports.
A 60-metre indoor sprint track surrounds the circumference, alongside an indoor throw cage, sandpit, high jump and pole vault areas covering the indoor athletics world.
A number of courts for badminton, pickleball and short tennis, as well as an indoor five-a-side football and a basketball court make up the majority of the inner space, with four table tennis tables also adorning the space.
The winter refresh forms part of a wider programme of refurbishment work at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, which began in 2025 and includes a major outdoor track resurfacing project completed in December.
New spin classes in Kempston
Another of GLL’s facilities in the area is Kempston Pool and Fitness, and they too have benefited from a redevelopment.
A newly developed group cycle room – a space that has been transformed from a previously unused storage area into a dedicated fitness studio – is now being used for a range of fitness classes, led by a brand new spin class.
“It’s great to see the new spin classes up and running,” says Ricky Whiting, GLL General Manager at Kempston Pool and Fitness.
“Converting an unused space into a dedicated cycling studio has allowed us to expand what we offer and bring something fresh to the timetable at Kempston Pool and Fitness.
“The sessions are open to all levels, so whether you’re new to spin or looking to push yourself, it’s a fantastic way to get active in a motivating group environment.”
Sessions are running twice a week, on Wednesdays from 9.30am to 10.30am and Saturdays from 8.45am to 9.30am.
For more information or to book a place, please contact Kempston Pool and Fitness or visit https://www.better.org.uk/.
