Black Book Leisure Consultancy has completed work on a stunning refurbishment of Elevate Health Club at the VOCO Hotel in Reading.
The massive, two-phase project saw the health club and spa space close on New Years’ Eve 2023 for a month-long initial renovation, which included a fully fitted gym with nine cardiovascular stations, five fixed resistance machines and two free weight stations from Freemotion, plus a large functional space.
New for the health club was an upgrade from four TVs on the front wall to fully integrated 22 inch touch screen displays on the CV equipment. A state-of-the-art AV system that drives all content requirements for the kit, including a high speed internet feed, also enables Freemotion to remote service the equipment with software updates.
The health club's swimming pool and pool side area were completely stripped of their small, white tiles and new, large-format floor and wall tiles were fitted 2.7 metres up the wall. Brian Thompson, Founding Director of Black Book Leisure Consultancy explains: “It was a design feature led by an operational pain. Previously the tiles only came 1.2 metres up the walls, which were then painted all the way up to the ceiling, so wet hands easily marked and damaged the paintwork. The higher tiling creates an easier to maintain space and, more importantly, a modernsleek finish that the hotel deserves.”

New lighting was installed on poolside to create light above the pool, as well as in the swimming pool itself, and a decommissioned Jacuzzi space was transformed into a relax area.  Thompson continues: “We redesigned the quantity and quality of lights to give the whole area a really sleek look, throwing more light into the pool than before.  This was key, having changed their white pool tiles to a darker grey finish.  We created a new relax area, complemented by a tiled shelving area for clients to place drinks on, with mood lighting above to help members de-stress on loungers after a swim or treatment.  We also refurbished and finished the poolside showers with beautiful mosaic tiling, providing a quality finish in line with the steam room and feature shower.”

The male and female changing rooms were also totally gutted and refitted, including new lockers and re-designed vanity areas, allowing for a better flow through the space, with new ceilings and lighting to make them feel bright and spacious.

A new, larger sauna with more seating was also designed and built, and the area further expanded to include a steam room and new feature shower, lifting the quality and finishes at the same time to enhance the experience for members and guests.

Phase two began in March 2024 when Black Book Leisure Consultancy created a spa offering for the hotel, redesigning and building out the health club’s original reception area to create a third treatment room, expanding the client offering by including a double treatment room containing two beds for couples and friends to enjoy the spa together.

Previously members entered the health club through a small, single side door.  Black Book Leisure Consultancy created a whole new member journey by designing an entirely new entrance. Users now enter through the revolving doors of the main hotel entrance where they are welcomed by the hotel receptionist, before walking past the restaurant and bar down to the new, dedicated health club reception area. Here they are greeted by health club staff who provide them with a towel and direct them into the club.

Thompson explains: “Entering the health club is now a far better customer experience as there is no longer a ‘them and us’ feeling. Plus it gives the hotel the chance to upsell food and beverages to the health club members on their way past.”

Across the entire club, new ceilings and flooring were installed and the club was also fully redecorated with a new colour scheme on brand with VOCO, an IHG Hotel.

Thompson says: “We have worked with 3d Leisure, which manages the Elevate health club on behalf of VOCO, numerous times over the years on a range of projects, and so were excited to take on the challenge of designing and transforming VOCO Reading’s outdated health club into an exciting, modern, fit-for-purpose leisure destination. 

“We viewed the scheme, listened carefully to the ideas the hotel owner’s senior team and 3d Leisure had for the space and within four weeks we managed to drive the costs down and ultimately deliver a £750,000 project for £500,000, to meet the client’s budget. Within four weeks the plans were approved and we were ready to start work, and we delivered the concept on time and well within budget.

“Our final design has married the look and feel of the health club to the hotel finishes elsewhere. Not only does it give members and guests a much better offering, it makes Elevate Health Club feel part of the four star hotel it already is.”