Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre has marked its first anniversary by announcing the number of visits has totalled more than 700,000 in its first 12 months.

The £22.5million facility, run by Everyone Active in partnership with North West Leicestershire District Council, opened on February 14 and celebrates a year open today (Tuesday).

Everyone Active says that 712,102 people visited the Centre between March 1 last year and January 31, with figures estimated to be around 780,000 for the first 12 months in business.

It adds that there are more than 4,000 fitness and swim fitness members, a 176 per cent increase on the 1,450 at the former Hermitage Leisure Centre.

Whitwick and Coalville also hosts 2,143 swim lesson pupils, says Everyone Active, 700 more than at Hermitage.

The site was the only local authority-owned leisure facility to be shortlisted within the National Fitness Awards Newcomer of the Year category for 2022.

Whitwick and Coalville also has an eight-lane, 25m swimming pool, learner pool, 110-station gym, cycling and dance studios, squash courts and an eight-court sports hall.

The centre cost £22.5million to build. Photo: Coalville Nub News

Also on site is a cafe, a Clip 'n Climb 'rock face' and a sauna, steam and spa pool.

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active's contract manager, said: "It's been a fantastic first year for Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre.

"We knew the centre would be popular but we've been bowled over by the level of demand and it's amazing to see.

"We are thrilled that so many people are enjoying the centre and experiencing the wide range of activities on offer.

"Our prices are extremely fair and in return, the public are getting state-of-the-art facilities which are accessible to everyone, no matter what your age, ability or interests.

"We are really positive that we can grow our membership numbers in our second year and that the local community will continue to get the most out of this fantastic centre."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, added: "We are absolutely delighted with the success that the Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre is showing.

"It's an absolutely top-notch facility in a great place, so it's no surprise that it's proving so popular.

"These results show that the investment in modern facilities is helping more people to be active in our district than ever before."