The Zest Centre, based in Upperthorpe, is part of a major programme to provide services to the local community. Formerly known as The Healthy Living Centre, it is based in the beautiful, Victorian, Upperthorpe baths and library premises.

Internally the Centre has been transformed into a magnificent space which provides a range of services including a gym, swimming pool, exercise classes, library, IT suite, café, and meeting rooms which are available to hire.

The Centre is very much a community led initiative. It has a healthy living ethos and offers a diverse range of services to improve people's health. It is also a place to meet people and to have fun!

This little known centre is also changing people's lives in the area. A referral scheme is just one of the services offered by the Zest Centre. Patients with pulmonary, and cardiac conditions are referred to the Zest Centre's Referrals Coordinator where an exercise programme is created to suit each patient's specific needs. The scheme is very popular and is now becoming more of a social gathering between members.

Doreen Gill, a referral patient and Zest Centre member stated: "I didn't think that I would be able to do the exercises but I realised I could. Using the treadmill has made walking a lot less painful and I have gained a lot of confidence. It is such a friendly place and you can talk to the other gym members. I can get fitter and make friends along the way "

Marketing Officer, Priya Shirt said: "Our ethos is healthy living but the Zest Centre isn't just for referrals, it's for everyone. We have a diverse range of customers that attend the centre to use its services, these include students, professionals, and local community members, the Centre is open for everyone to use."

The Zest Centre pool schedule offers a varied range of swimming sessions including lane swimming, women only swimming, aquafit, toddler classes, swimming lessons, and a number of sessions for disabled visitors. The pool is fully equipped for disabled visitors and has a ramp for ease of access into the pool - the only one of its kind in the city.

The Zest Centre has even more to offer including various exercise classes and for those wanting to take their fitness to the next level there is a fully equipped gym with treadmills, cross trainers and resistance weights.

Why not become a member of the Zest Centre by subscribing to their varied range of subscription packages from daily, to weekly to monthly subscriptions. The centre offers very competitive prices and also operates the slice card system.

Chief Executive of Zest, Laura Moynahan said: "The Zest Centre is different to most leisure centres as our main philosophy is to listen to the community and meet their requirements. For example, we hold a number of women only sessions in the gym and pool which are very popular, including with Muslim women."

The Centre also has number of meeting rooms which are available to hire and can be catered for by the Zest Café, which is also based in the centre.

Laura said: "The Centre has a very friendly atmosphere and with its wide range of services, is a focal point for the community."

The services offered by Zest don't stop there, further along the road is the Zest Shop. Here staff will help people find employment or volunteering opportunities, enrol them on a training course and even assist people in starting their own business. There are also a wide range of activities for children and young people.

The Zest Centre is a hive of activity and is based right in the heart of Netherthorpe, Upperthorpe and Langsett. It is a one stop shop for fitness, activities and fun and it's on your doorstep