Both the University's Luton and Bedford campuses will boast multi-sport fitness suites, which will host the latest equipment at an affordable price.

Launching in March 2015, each of the 165 square metre facilities will be open to some 1,000 members, and will arrive at the same time as the new University AstroTurf, Olympic-standard hockey pitches near to the Bedford campus.

Stephen Pitt, Assistant Director of Sport at the University, said: "We want all our students to be able benefit from a low-cost gym in the heart of the University. The fitness suite will be friendly environments in which students can not only benefit from enhancing their lifestyles by using the quality equipment and regular classes, but also the chance to meet new people and really enjoy themselves in a fully exclusive facility."

The development of the fitness suite at Luton will transform the ground floor of the Park Square side of the campus, reconstructing former lecturer halls into a state-of-the-art gym facility.

As well as all the new, traditional equipment – including treadmills, free weights, cross trainers, module weights, exercise bikes and more – the facility will be complete with the latest in sports therapy equipment, with vibration plates and strength and conditioning tools, as well as changing rooms.

At Bedford, the construction of the suite will see former offices, next-door to the new 300-seater Sports Hall, transformed to make way for the new development.

Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor at the University, said: "The new gyms are part of an on-going £90m investment into student-focussed facilities at the University, including a new library due to open in the Luton campus in September 2015.

"Students who choose to join the University of Bedfordshire this year can be confident we are committed to ensuring they will have the best possible student experience, backed by outstanding facilities, high quality teaching and great support."