A LEISURE centre in Dorcan has reopened after its owners splashed £380,000 on upgrading the pool and changing rooms.

The Dorcan Health and Recreation Complex is ready to welcome members back to new-and-improved facilities following the completion of a major refurbishment.

The project came about as a direct result of a joint investment from Swindon Borough Council and social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Limited which manages the centre under the brand of Better.

The work has transformed the main pool, changing village and surrounding poolside areas, and has helped to pay for a brand new gym with more than 30 stations.

Coun Robert Jandy is the cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and the town centre experience.

He said: "It’s great to see this swimming pool refurbished and reopened.

“Swimming is a great way of staying fit and healthy, especially over these hot summer months when children are home from school.

“Along with the swimming pool, the centre has been upgraded to include a 30+ station gym which is perfect for those who fancy some weights rather than water.

"The completed works have breathed new life into what was a dated facility, converting it into a modern, inclusive, community health and well-being hub."

Barnaby Rich is GLL’s partnership manager for Swindon. He said: ‘‘It's fantastic to see the upgrade to the pool and changing rooms along with the new gym.

"This will now enable a much-loved leisure facility the opportunity to reach more of our local communities while working along side our other leisure facilities in Swindon.’’

The gym is now open for pre-bookings and new memberships. The pool reopened yesterday and sessions for the Better Swim School will be returning.