The new £22.5million Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre will open its doors to the public in a fortnight's time - five months ahead of schedule.

North West Leicestershire District Council has today (Monday) announced that the opening day will be on Monday, February 14.

The centre, which is a partnership between North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and its leisure operator Everyone Active, boasts an eight-lane 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, gym, cycling and dance studios, squash courts and eight court sports hall.

With a café, Clip 'n Climb, and sauna, steam and spa pool too, the aim is to provide something for every age, interest and ability.

Memberships are now available at HERE, giving access not only to the new centre, but to 200+ leisure centres nationwide, including Ashby Leisure Centre and Lido.

Facilities at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre are:

• 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 / recreation opportunities.

An official opening celebration event is being planned for later in the year, although customers will be able to enjoy the facilities before then. Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: "It's a fantastic achievement to be able to open this new facility to the public months ahead of time. "It's a great opportunity for people to come along, see what's on offer and get active as we start the new year. "The building and the facilities within it are exceptional. "The centre is a huge step towards helping people in our district to move more and get active, and with its environmental credentials, the centre is also supporting our work to become a Zero Carbon council." Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's contract manager, added: "We're looking forward to welcoming everyone to the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre, showcasing the huge range of activities we have available to everyone, regardless of age, ability or interests. "The centre is state-of-the-art and has something for the whole community. "We can't wait to see lots of people enjoy what it has to offer over the coming weeks and months." Hermitage Leisure Centre will close when the new centre opens and memberships will automatically transfer. NWLDC 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.