The white water rafting and canoeing course at the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, has reopened to the public following the completion of upgrade work at the facility.

Improvements at the course have included improved flow and water depth, a more flexible layout and use of features and the creation of a new intermediate paddler and rescue area, as well as new concrete platforms to provide launch and rescue points. The official reopening of the white water course will be held on 2 April to coincide with an event that will mark the handover of the National Water Sports Centre from Sport England to Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC).

Following the transfer of the centre's ownership and management to the council, it is hoped that both NCC and Sport England will invest £10m in order to fund a number of new developments to enhance the facilities at Holme Pierrepont. Potential additions to the centre include Flow Riders, indoor surfing facilities which would be among the first of their kind in Britain, as well as a country park area for walking and cycling, and a caravan and campsite.

Other new developments identified could see the installation of an inflatable pontoon system across the centre's lake, allowing a wide range of activities to take place, including 'pay and play' watersports provision, while a new 'activity hub' has also been proposed, offering facilities for climbing, water skiing and canoeing. Sport England property manager Charles Johnston said: "The upgrade has created a superb white water course that will provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for many thousands of people every year, whether they’re experts or are new to water sports.

"Our investment has updated a 40-year-old facility to the latest technical standards, and means the course can now be adapted for a wide range of different users, from top canoeists to the growing band of rafters who use the centre." Chris Baron, NCC cabinet member for environment and sustainability, added: "Over the coming years we want to build upon the success of the centre, so that it is regarded as one of the premier sporting and recreational attractions in the country.

"With 270 acres (109.3-hectares) of beautiful parkland, a majestic 2km (1.2 miles) lake, the best white water course in the country and facilities for conferencing and accommodation we have something very special and unique."