The new dedicated workout space, which is open daily, is located on the ground floor and has a full range of cardio and strength training equipment. The area is staffed only by female team members and is available for women aged 16 plus. The new women’s-only gym is in addition to the existing gym and studio facilities at the centre on Burnley Street.

The exclusive women-only space follows the success of Oldham Active’s ongoing and very popular Women-Only Wednesdays at Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, where every Wednesday morning there is women-only access to swimming, the sauna and aquacise, as well as group classes such as aerobics, Body Pump and Zumba.

Stuart Lockwood, chief executive of Oldham Active, the charity operating leisure facilities across the borough, says: 'The women’s-only space was formerly used as a spin studio, but following the success of Women’s Wednesdays we have taken the decision to invest in a dedicated gym space exclusively for women, to encourage more women in the local community to lead active, healthier lives.'

Lauren Connis, health and fitness brand manager, Oldham Active says: 'The feedback gathered through customer surveys was that some women prefer to exercise in women-only spaces. Oldham is very diverse town, with multiple faith groups living and working across the borough, and Chadderton has a high percentage of its population from the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities. Our health and wellbeing programmes must reflect the community we serve.

'This space has been designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for women from all walks of life to enjoy, and we are working closely with local community groups and district partnerships to ensure it meets the needs of those who will be using it. We are also committed to training and upskilling local women so they can play an active role in supporting and shaping this space.

'In the coming months we will be rolling out a range of sessions and seminars focused on women’s health. From the benefits of strength training to postmenopausal heart health. To ensure we reach as many women as possible we will be taking our seminar programme out in the community too.'