The new facility comes in response to a significant rise in demand for gymnastics across the region, with participation increasing by more than 170% since 2021.
Xcite Bathgate has been at the heart of this growth, driving more than half of all gymnastics participation increases in recent years. Many sessions are now at or near capacity, with waiting lists in place.
To meet this demand, a £330,000 investment will transform an underutilised space into a modern, purpose-built gymnastics facility, creating more opportunities for children, young people and families to get active.
Designed as a flexible and inclusive environment, the new arena will feature specialist equipment, dedicated learning zones and dual activity areas, allowing multiple programmes to run at the same time.
In partnership with organisations including Scottish Gymnastics and the Independent Gymnastics Association, the arena will host a wide range of activities, including:
Early years and pre-school classes
Recreational gymnastics
Club and competitive training
Adult sessions
The facility will also support schools and community groups, helping more people build confidence, strength and coordination through movement-based activity.
As well as increasing participation, the new arena will create new employment and development opportunities within the local community.
This includes a Gymnastics Development Officer role and up to 16 new coaching positions, alongside fully funded training opportunities through Xcite’s Become a Coach programme.
These initiatives will help build a sustainable local workforce while opening up new career pathways in sport.
Gymnastics continues to be particularly popular among young people and girls, and the new facility will ensure more local children can access the sport while providing clear pathways for progression.
The arena will also contribute to wider community wellbeing by offering inclusive, accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Ben Lamb, Chief Executive Officer of Xcite, said:
“The new Bathgate Gymnastics Arena is a really exciting development for the community and for gymnastics in West Lothian. Demand for our gymnastics programmes has grown rapidly in recent years, and this dedicated facility will allow us to welcome many more participants, while providing a high-quality environment for learning, development and progression. We are grateful to our partners at West Lothian Council for their support, which has made this project possible.”
Executive Councillor for Economy, Community Empowerment and Wealth Building, Susan Manion, said:
“We are delighted to be able to enable West Lothian Leisure in creating this fantastic new facility that will benefit the local community for generations to come. There is clearly a huge increase in demand for gymnastics and this facility will allow more young people, adults and families to participate in the sport.”
