Sheffield-based Sign Language had been commissioned by Ponds Forge International Sports Centre to provide new signage for the venue's new Fitness Unlimited super gym during and after a major upgrade of the facilities.

"Our key need was to not only keep existing customers informed but to retain their loyalty throughout the refurbishment," said Jo Betts, Marketing and Promotions Manager for Ponds Forge. "We also wanted to maximize the new facilities in gaining new members While every effort had been made to minimise disruption, necessary building work in the multi-million pound super gym conversion meant some inconvenience to existing gym members was inevitable.

Through DK Exchange, a "Virtual Tour" of the new gym was produced and shown on a special news update website created by the venue to promote their Fitness Unlimited membership scheme. The 3D fly-through was based on 2D plans of the new gym provided by architects Race Cottam. The basic computer plan and gym layout was rendered into 3D and given realistic real-world texture bringing both fitness equipment and studio areas to life.

Thanks to the virtual tour available on the gym's website, the Centre's 4,000 members, and potential new members, were able to view the entire facility - from new spa and Group Fitness studios to free weight areas and high-tech exercise machines - weeks before the official opening.

The 3D fly-through was also seen on reception area TVs and on the giant scoreboard screen above the Centre's international swimming pool as well as being featured on YouTube and Facebook.

Contact DK Exchange for a 3D visualisation demonstration