A £1MILLION project to modernise a sports centre will cost more than originally planned after flaws were discovered in the floor of the main swimming pool.

A £1MILLION project to modernise a sports centre will cost more than originally planned after flaws were discovered in the floor of the main swimming pool.

Contractors working at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre were forced to drain the pool after they found a huge section of tiling had lifted.

It meant the pool had to close four weeks earlier than expected, although centre manager Alison Bowyer said it was a good thing the problem was found before the scheduled re-opening in August.

The leisure centre closed its doors yesterdayready for substantial improvements to the heating, lighting, ventilation and air quality.

“As well as the maintenance work, we are also carrying out extensive refurbishment that should make it a lot nicer for visitors,” said Miss Bowyer.

“We discovered that the concrete underneath the pool tiles had cracked, which caused them to lift, although at this stage we do not know anything more than that.

“At this stage we are not sure how much it will cost to repair the pool, as the work was not actually budgeted for in the original plan, but we are confident it will not set the completion date back.

Between April 19 and May 16, many of the daytime classes that would normally take place at the centre have been relocated to a nearby school.

In four weeks' time it is hoped that much of the “dry side” of the pool will reopen, including the fitness studio. The leisure pool, including the flumes, will reopen at the end of June and the leisure centre is set to fully reopen in August.

While the maintenance work is being carried out, the opportunity will also be taken to improve the poolside viewing gallery, making it more accessible for people who are disabled or have pushchairs and young children.

Terry Clements, cabinet member for leisure and sport at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “We will do our best to reopen as much of the facility as quickly as possible to keep the disappointment to a minimum.”

For details on times for classes moved to King Edward VI Upper School contact 01284 753496.