During 2025/26, partners came together to deliver a major transformation of Templehall Community Gym, ensuring the facility could continue serving local people as part of the wider development of the Templehall Community Hub. Through strong partnership working between Fife Council, BAM, Hub East Central Scotland, subcontractors and the Templehall Community Gym team, a former council office building was successfully converted into a modern, accessible community fitness facility.

As plans progressed for the closure of the existing Templehall Community Centre, it became clear that a new home was needed for the community-run gym. An annex building owned by Fife Council, located directly opposite the existing centre, was identified as a suitable location and was renovated as part of the project's social value commitments. This created an opportunity not only to relocate the gym but to significantly improve the quality of the facility available to local residents.

The refurbishment involved extensive internal and external improvements. Existing office accommodation was transformed into an open-plan gym space, while a former kitchen area was remodelled to provide modern changing and shower facilities. The work was carefully planned and completed within five weeks, helping to minimise disruption and ensuring the community was not without a gym facility for an extended period.

Sustainability and community benefit were important features of the project. BAM repurposed materials from two former Fife Council schools in Dunfermline that had recently been demolished. Mirrors and fencing from the former St Columba's High School, along with air conditioning equipment from the former Woodmill High School, were reused within the new gym, giving valuable materials a second life while reducing waste.

The project also benefited from significant support across BAM's supply chain. Groundworks contractor Kilmac contributed additional works to improve the external environment around the building, helping to create a more welcoming and attractive setting for gym users and the wider community. This collaborative approach demonstrated the value that can be achieved when public, private and community partners work towards a shared goal.

The impact of the project was immediate. The gym's new location, enhanced facilities and improved visibility through new external signage have helped make the facility more accessible to local residents. Since the completion of the works, membership has increased by more than 70 new members, demonstrating strong demand for high-quality community leisure facilities within Templehall.

The renovation generated significant social value for the local area. More than £140,000 worth of materials and labour was donated to support the project, while an estimated £17,900 of social and local economic value was created through the collaborative effort. In addition, more than 150 volunteer hours were contributed, reflecting the commitment of partners and community members to maintaining a valued local asset.

This project supports the Plan for Fife priority of Community Wealth Building and Leading Economic Recovery and contributes to ambitions around ensuring communities have access to high-quality leisure opportunities. It also demonstrates how joined-up working between partners can deliver practical improvements that strengthen community assets, increase participation and enhance local wellbeing.

Looking ahead, the transformed Templehall Community Gym will continue to play an important role within the wider Templehall Community Hub development. By providing a modern, accessible and sustainable facility, the project has created a lasting legacy for the community, ensuring residents have greater opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing while strengthening connections within the local area.