WORK has started on a two-storey extension to Evesham Leisure Centre on Abbey Road.

The centre, which first opened in 2009 is set to undergo a £3million transformation which will improve and extend facilities to meet the demands of growing numbers of customers now and predicted in the future.

The works will see the fitness room area extended into what is currently the studio space. The studio will then be moved to the first floor of the extension, alongside an improved therapy treatment suite. An additional 91 car parking spaces will also be created on site.

On the ground floor of the extension a further dance studio and activity space will be created to facilitate cardiac rehabilitation and wellness groups, as well as meeting and consultation rooms, toilets and changing facilities and a small kitchen.

Cllr. Gerry O’Donnell, portfolio holder for community development, culture and sport for Wychavon said: “Evesham Leisure Centre is a real success story. We invested over £10million in this facility and it has grown in popularity year on year. It’s fantastic to see the people in the town and surrounding areas using the centre so much.

"By using it they’re improving their health, fitness and general wellbeing which is good for everyone. We’re pleased to make this extra investment to meet demand and plan for the future.”

Wychavon District Council has appointed Midlands-based building contractor Speller Metcalfe to undertake the project with construction work having started on site at the beginning of April. Wychavon Leisure, who manages the facility, hope that the extension will allow them to take on an extra 500 members a year.

Speller Metcalfe construction manager Paul McCormick said: “We’re looking forward to working with Wychavon District Council on this exciting project which will allow the leisure centre to take on additional members and provide larger and better facilities for existing users.

"The centre will remain operational throughout the building works and we will work closely with the leisure centre staff to ensure that disruption to users is kept to a minimum throughout the project.”

The extension to the centre is set to open to the public in January 2019.