The £7m Thorncliffe Health and Leisure Centre in Sheffield – which forms part of the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM) – has opened to the public.

The NCSEM is a major new Department of Health Olympic Legacy project designed to deliver education, research and clinical services from three hubs in London, East Midlands and Sheffield.

Being an NCSEM facility means that, as well as operating as a leisure centre, the Thorncliffe site features advanced health and research facilities treatment as well as consultation rooms.

The Pozzoni Architects-designed site will be managed by Places for People Leisure and includes a 25m (82ft) swimming pool and learner pool, a large health and fitness suite plus training studio spaces.

Other facilities include a 60-station gym contains a variety of Precor CV equipment, as well as resistance stations and free weights from Matrix Fitness.

Funded by Sheffield City Council, Sport England, NCSEM and Ecclesfield Parish Council, Thorncliffe Health and Leisure Centre provides exercise facilities to a wide range of stakeholders.

As well as its links with the NCSEM, the centre will also be used by NHS patients.

Councillor Mary Lea, cabinet member for culture, parks and leisure at Sheffield City Council said: “These fantastic facilities at Thorncliffe will build on that and help us to reach our goal of being the most active city in the UK by 2020.

“The centre provides quality facilities that will help people in the north of the city, of all ages and abilities and with many different interests and goals, to live more active and healthy lifestyles. Whether it’s swimming, fitness classes, the gym or even just an excuse to meet up with friends, there is something here for everyone.”