Bootle Leisure Centre in Sefton, Merseyside, has re-opened following a £1.2m refurbishment, thanks to a partnership between Sefton Council and leisure management company EZE Fitness.

The centre now offers a 400sq m (4,300sq ft), 100-station fitness suite – equipped by Startrac and Nautilus – an aerobics studio, a sauna and steam suite and a treatment suite, alongside the existing main pool, leisure pool and sports hall.

The centre has 600 members, half of which have joined since the club re-opened on 19 October.

EZE Fitness was established in 2003, as the UK division of Sweden-based Nautilus Swim Halls.

The company works alongside local authorities to help fund new leisure initiatives and has a portfolio of 11 sites, including Dunes Leisure Centre, also in Sefton, and centres in Renfrewshire in Scotland and Castlereagh in Northern Ireland.

Andrew Walker, head of recreation management for Sefton Council, said: “Our partnership with EZE Fitness has allowed us to completely refurbish and re-model the whole leisure centre without the need for any further public investment. We are now effectively unveiling a new leisure centre to our residents.” Details: www.sefton.gov.uk