The Littlehampton Wave leisure centre has opened after more than seven years in the planning.

The centre at the Sussex seaside resort town features an eight-lane, 25-metre pool, a multi-purpose pool with moveable floor, an 85-station gym and a large functional space which can be divided into two dance studios, a sports hall equipped for a host of activities and a 25-station indoor cycling studio.

The new facility replaces the old sports dome located at the site.

Owned by Arun District Council, the centre will be operated by Freedom Leisure and was built by leisure construction specialist Willmott Dixon.

The council procured Willmott Dixon through the Southern Construction Framework – an initiative set up to ease the complexity of construction projects for local authorities, public sector bodies and charities in the region.

“This project started as a bit of a dream in 2011," said Nigel Lynn, CEO of Arun District Council.

"We looked at the leisure centre we had then and thought there wasn’t a lot of life left in it. We wanted to offer something better for the wellbeing of our community, and here we are today after a lot of hard work."

Roger Forsdyke, MD at Willmott Dixon's South East operations, said: “Littlehampton Wave is such a valuable investment that will bring the community closer together in a superb environment.

"We're proud of the legacy we're leaving behind on this project and cannot wait to see everyone in the community enjoying the new facilities.”