The new £5m Minsthorpe Leisure centre in Wakefield will open its doors on 15 March, following the completion of construction works.

Contractor Willmott Dixon handed the keys to the centre’s owner, Wakefield Council, on 15 February, after completing the 14-month project on schedule.

Facilities at the centre include a 25m (82ft), six-lane, swimming pool, a 60-station health and fitness club and a group exercise studio.

The new centre replaces the old Minsthorpe Pool, which closed in March 2013 for essential maintenance after an inspection revealed it needed major repairs.

It permanently closed in July 2013, after the cost of repairs was estimated at more than £1.2m, which would have still left the district with a dilapidated facility.

Councillor Jacquie Speight, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: "The new facility looks fantastic and is the high quality and modern leisure centre that our residents need and deserve.

"The construction project has gone very well and the contractor has had a positive impact on the local community, bringing jobs and investment to this area.

"Work on the interior of the facility is now underway and in a just few weeks we can welcome our first customers to Minsthorpe Leisure."