It’s now almost 20 years since White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre was launched in 2002.

Based off Audlett Drive in Abingdon the centre attracts about 800,000 visitors a year.

It is run by leisure operator GLL on behalf of Vale of White Horse District Council.

The council has continued to invest in the centre over the years and in 2017 a gym extension was provided.

The extension offers an extra 290sqm of space packed with sports machines.

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Changing rooms were spruced up with new toilets and showers, while a new outdoor area has been provided for young children using the centre's crèche.

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The main entrance was also brightened by a themed canopy inspired by the centre's location within Science Vale enterprise zone.

Mike Badcock, then Vale council chairman, said at the time: "The £1.7m gym extension is the single largest investment by the council on a leisure project since this centre opened in 2002.

Oxford Mail:

Mike Badcock right at the opening of the gym extension

"This highlights our commitment to providing great leisure facilities for all our residents, helping them to lead healthy and active lives.

"People in the Vale should be very proud that we have this outstanding facility in our district.

"I hope that existing and future customers enjoy the equipment and the benefits it will bring to them in improving their health and wellbeing."

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First birthday celebrations for the leisure centre

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Wimbledon tennis legend Tim Henman visited for a coaching session to mark the 10th anniversary in 2012 and further celebrations can be expected in 2022.