Somerset-based leisure trust, Crewkerne Leisure Management, has opened the new £1.2m Active Lifestyle Centre at Crewkerne Aqua Centre.

Formerly a standalone swimming pool, the facility has been upgraded to offer a new fitness suite equipped by Technogym, an activity room and a suite of consulting rooms for local health professionals.

The scheme was developed by the trust in partnership with South Somerset Primary Care Trust, South Somerset District Council, Crewkerne Town Council and Sport England. Sport England gave funding of more than £0.5m and South Somerset District Council provided a loan of £0.6m.

Claire Saxby, chair of Crewkerne Leisure Management, said: “We can now offer an innovative active lifestyles centre which will encourage and promote physical activity and lifestyle changes to a broad sector of the local community.

“We will be working with GPs and practice nurses through our local PCT to ensure that as many local people as possible are given the opportunity to improve their lifestyles.”

The project was managed by Alliance Leisure.