Details have been unveiled of a major improvements project to create a “fun and contemporary” leisure centre for Leiston.

Work is due to start at the Suffolk Coastal council-owned centre this autumn and will be the second revamp of the district’s leisure facilities following wotk at Woodbridge’s Deben Pools, set for completion this summer.

The council hopes the major investment in the leisure centre will help encourage more people to become fit and active.

It will be given a new, first floor area which will feature a large gym with modern equipment, including cardiovascular, strength, resistance and functional zones.

Improvements will be made to the changing areas, providing high quality village wet changing facilities with family friendly parent and child cubicles, separate changing for schools and individual wet-side changing cubicles and showers.

A new health suite containing a sauna, steam and ice room with heated beds, a feature shower and relaxation area will be being created, accessible from poolside.

The facility will include a new entrance space, with a café and an enhanced pool viewing area featuring a soft play area for children.

The community will be able to access more fitness classes with the addition of two new dance studios and a group cycling studio, which will also serve as multi-use bookable rooms.

After listening to initial feedback and advice from Sport England, the two squash courts are being retained.

Improvements will also be made to the lighting in the pool area and the front car park will be resurfaced.

TJ Haworth-Culf, cabinet member for customers, communities and leisure, said: “I really want to thank the community for their support for the improved leisure centre so far, as their initial input has helped us to rethink the design of Leiston and ensure that the modernised facility will cater for all members of the community.

“We want to create a fun and contemporary centre that boosts vitality for everyone and we believe the designs reflect this. The centre is in need of modernisation and the improved facility will help more people become fit and active as well as providing a contemporary space for the community to enjoy.

“We’re now looking for final feedback from local people on the design and functionality of the building so we’re ready to start working on the project later this year.”

The improved leisure centre has been designed with the council’s leisure development partner, Pulse Fitness and will continue to be run by Suffolk Coastal’s operational leisure partners, Places for People Leisure.

To find out more and see the plans in detail, visit: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/leiston-leisure-centre

The Leisure Team will be contacting and speaking with a range of groups, leisure centre users and other key stakeholders in the next two months. If you are a community group, local club or team and would like to have a chat with the Leisure Team, please email: leisure@eastsuffolk.gov.uk