Justin Tomlinson today visited Esprit Gymnastics, a gymnastics academy with Olympic standard facilities in Swindon.
A local councillor for 10 years before he entered Parliament, Justin helped broker the deal that saw Esprit secure their future by moving into the former Headlands School sports hall when the £4million facility was due to be demolished with the old school.
The new site has enabled Esprit to grow and develop. It has been used as a test bed for UK Gymnastics funding in the three years approaching London 2012. This help from UK Gymnastics has enabled the purchase of Olympic level equipment, including fully sprung floors and tumble tracks used in international competition. The investment has made a huge difference, with gymnasts from Esprit taking part in national competitions and coming home with medals.
The club has grown, primarily through its focus on customer service, with coaches engaging directly with parents and the staff being responsive and innovate in response to demand. Parents have recently set up their own ‘coffee shop’ and a local costume designer rents space in the complex, making made to measure leotards and running a small shop.
Justin also visited the Kirsty Farrow Dance Academy and Leadership Martial Arts, two businesses who rent space from Esprit. Between the three, they see over two thousand people a week pass through their classes and clubs, aged from 2 to 97.
Justin Tomlinson MP said “Mark Hows and his inspirational team have transformed the former Headlands sports hall into a thriving hub of activity with over 2000 people a week enjoying the activities and opportunities available. As a town, we are exceptionally proud of what is being achieved at this wonderful facility.”
