Cleethorpes Leisure Centre revamp to start in September

Work on revamping Cleethorpes Leisure Centre is expected to start in the first week of September

Work on a £2.5m revamp of a North East Lincolnshire leisure centre is to start next month, the council has said.

Refurbishment of Cleethorpes Leisure Centre on Kingsway is the "largest overhaul" since it opened in 1983, the authority added.

The work includes a new water slide and cannon feature, as well as an upgrade of the pool and changing facilities.

In June, the council agreed plans to build a £635,000 unisex changing area despite a petition against the move.

Councillors said they decided to carry out all the refurbishment work at the same time "to reduce any inconvenience to pool users" and expect it to be completed by January 2014.

'Top quality facilities'

The health suite and fitness studio will remain open and all classes held there will continue as normal while work is carried out on the pool hall and changing rooms.

However, swimming lessons at the centre will be held at alternative pools in Grimsby.

The authority warned that car parking spaces will be reduced as contractors use it while work is being carried out, but said it was looking at alternative parking near by.

Councillor Mick Burnett, portfolio holder for tourism, leisure and culture, said: "We understand this might cause some inconvenience, but the refurbishment works are necessary, and would have had to have been done at some point in the next 12 months.

"By doing the changing room and refurbishment works together, there will be the least disruption possible. And this will result in some top quality facilities for local people and visitors alike."