Now I'm not one to moan (much), but I'm starting to get a bit peeved with the council-run Pavilion 'leisure' centre. I only go there because it's cheap and convenient but I think after next weekend I'll find somewhere else. Today's visit is a good example:
- Poor customer service
Admittantly I was pretty unlucky to turn up to use the gym today behind a swim party of about thirty children, but that is no excuse for having three people behind the desk and only one serving. When I do eventually get served, there's not even a 'sorry to keep you waiting, sir'. Just a swipe of the card, and in I go. Why can't they have a swipe machine that I can use and go straight in, like in my old gym? - Changing Rooms
The changing rooms are pretty nasty, but are probably the best air conditioned part of the building. They are in desperate need of a good clean - their idea of cleaning is detaching the fire hose and giving the area a quick wash down, during normal opening hours - but preferably a refurbishment. I daren't describe the toilets, but at least they have working soap dispensers now. - Hot & sweaty gym
The air conditioning in the gym is very inconsistent, and today completely non existent. During the hot summer months, with many of the clientele unsure of the definition of personal hygiene (never mind general gym etiquette), the ambience can turn rather stale to say the least. - IGE (in-gym entertainment)
The council should at least invest in improving the entertainment in the gym. Currently there are four small televisions usually showing BBC1 or ITV1 with subtitles. Again, my old gym had four plasma screens with Sky and plug-in sound boxes on all CV equipment. Today we had two of my worst nightmares, namely the Weakest Link 'quiz' (with sixty-twenty year-old Anne Robinson) and the 'sport' Cricket (with some blokes strolling around in the sun, until it rains).
The main reason behind the lack of investment compared to my old gym is that the latter was a public-private partnership. It was actually a Holmes Place (of which I only recently found the Bromley branch) and had heavy investment during my year-long membership. In fact the gym was completely refurbished, along with the dry changing rooms, reception, bar, shop and decor. More has probably been done since I left.
I am paying less here (although that does include corporate discount) so I can't complain too much, it just seems like some very basic improvements should be undertaken to make visits more bearable. Of course I could make my feelings known using their 'talk back' service but I don't think the forms are large enough…
