THE new and improved Yate Leisure Centre is open for business following the biggest refurbishment in its history.

The final phase of the £1.8million refit was completed last week, leaving sports enthusiasts with one of the best facilities in the region.

South Gloucestershire Leisure Trust spokesman James Clifford said: “The final phase of the project was the poolside changing area, which opened on January 30.

“We are now inviting local residents to come along and see the massive transformation.”

He added: “Over the last 18 months the leisure centre has seen brand new facilities in the way of a 90-station active gym, Atlantis softplay for children, Café Re and poolside changing areas to name but a few.”

The leisure trust, which runs five leisure centres in South Gloucestershire, loaned the money from South Gloucestershire Council but remains responsible for the running of the building.

Local councillors have heralded the refurbishment after campaigning for improved sports facilities for decades.

Cllr Sue Walker (Lib Dem, Yate Central) said she had heard so many complaints about the old facilities over the years she had lost count.

“It is fantastic that this project has finally been realised,” she told the Gazette. “Yate Town Council campaigned for so long for this and we are thrilled it has now been finished.

“People seem to be using the new gym and other facilities in their droves and hopefully it will get more people active in Yate.”

The swimming pool changing rooms have been particularly long-awaited as the old facilities were reported to be dark, dirty and off-putting to parents with small children.

They have been replaced with a new unisex, modern changing suite with a brand new drainage system.

The project is the first to be completed in a long line of developments currently taking place in Yate.

A new £12million health centre is under construction next door, Yate Library is undergoing a massive refurbishment and South Gloucestershire Council’s new offices are being built at Badminton Road.

Tesco hopes to build an Extra store on stilts in the shopping centre as soon as planning permission is granted.

A new Active card has been launched to encourage more people into the leisure centre and is being run in conjunction with Yate Library. For more information visit www.sgleisure.org.