The impact of a £5m redevelopment of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster has been revealed, following the completion of phase one of the 10-year project.

Delivered by Alliance Leisure – in partnership with Lancaster City Council and Createability – the year-long first phase led to a 72 per cent increase in member visits in the first two months after completion.

Active member numbers have doubled, female memberships have increased by 160 per cent and the average distance members travel to get to the centre has risen by approximately one kilometre, according to an analysis of the site's member usage conducted by ukactive.

Speaking at the announcement of the results at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Dr Steven Mann, research director for ukactive, said: "We want leisure centres to be at the frontline of communities, helping the public become more active. These results from Salt Ayre clearly demonstrate the impact that breathing new life into centres can make on the activity levels of communities."

The changes made as part of the redevelopment, which began in May 2016, include the installation of an indoor cycling studio, an 80-station fitness suite, an adventure play area and an XHeight climbing wall.

Sarah Watts, chief executive of Alliance Leisure, told Health Club Management: “We are delighted to have delivered this exciting, diverse and sustainable leisure facility for the whole community.

“This facility will transform from an £800,000 subsidy to a revenue-neutral position within three years, which includes paying back the initial £5m investment."

Ian Cotgrave, managing director of Createability, said: “This project is one of several currently being undertaken throughout the UK, and showcases what refurbishment of older building stock can achieve.

“The building work at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre has totally transformed the facility into one of the most outstanding leisure amenities in the area and we are delighted to have worked with the team to achieve this.”

Phase two of the project is currently underway and involves the installation of Europe’s first outdoor flight tower and a 540sq m health and wellbeing hub.