• Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre is nearing completion

• The centre could open as early as late January / early February 2022

• The new development had been due to open in July 2022

North West Leicestershire District Council says people will be able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre months ahead of schedule.

Work on the complex, which is being built just off Stephenson Way on the outskirts of Coalville, has progressed much quicker than expected, meaning the building could be handed over this January.

In a partnership between the District Council and its leisure operator Everyone Active, the £22.5 million centre had been due to open next summer, but contractors Metnor have completed most elements well ahead of time.

Last July, we reported on a behind the scenes look behind the new leisure centre, you can read that article HERE.

With the exception of landscaping and paths around the centre, and outdoor play and leisure equipment, customers should be able to use the centre early in the new year.

Facilities at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre include:

• Eight-lane, 25m main pool
• Learner pool with moveable floor
• 110-station gym
• Group cycling studio (25 bikes)
• Group dance studio
• Eight-court sports hall
• Clip 'n Climb and Adventure Mania
• Sauna, steam and spa pool
• Three squash courts
• Changing Places facility, accessible from the lobby
• Café, with healthy eating options
• 250 car parking spaces
• Parkland setting, incorporating trim trail/recreational opportunities

An official opening is being planned for February, although people will be able to enjoy the facilities before then.

The Hermitage Leisure Centre will close when the new centre opens and memberships will automatically transfer.

North West Leicestershire District Council is currently considering a range of proposals for the future of the leisure centre site and the recreation ground.

Any proposals will be focussed mainly on leisure and recreation facilities for the community, linking through to the new leisure centre.

It is hoped that some options will be shared with the public in the first half of 2022.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of the District Council said: "We have been very impressed with Metnor and their skills in managing supplies and the workforce despite the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic as we've seen the leisure centre take shape.

"It's a beautiful building with fantastic facilities and it's excellent news that the work is so far ahead of schedule.

"The centre is set up to make a really valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities – that is our main objective. We now need to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before we open the doors to the public."

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "We cannot wait to open Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre and to show the public the fantastic facility on their doorstep.

"We will be offering a huge range of activities at the site so there will be something for everyone, no matter what your age, ability or interests.

"This centre is something the community can be truly proud of and with preparations well ahead of schedule, it's great to know they will not have to wait long to see it."