More than £2.5m is set to be invested in Gravesham's leisure facilities after the local authority agreed a new 10-year contract with operator Gravesham Community Leisure (GCLL).

Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) has approved funding for both Cygnet Leisure Centre and Cascades Leisure Centre to help secure the long-term future of the venues. Cascades Leisure Centre in Gravesend, Kent, will benefit from a new 720sq m (7,750sq ft) fitness suite boasting 144 stations of Pulse Fitness equipment. Work is due to be completed in the spring.

Meanwhile, Cygnet Leisure Centre in Northfleet has already unveiled a new 410sq m (4,413sq ft) fitness suite, with 72 stations also equipped by Pulse Fitness. The investment programme is being carried out in three phases, with the first providing the new gym facilities at Cygnet Leisure Centre. The second phase includes the development of Cascades Leisure Centre's new fitness facilities.

Half of the main sports hall at Cascades Leisure Centre will be converted into the fitness suite, while the dance studio will be fully revamped and a spinning added as part of the second phase. The third stage will be phased over a number of years, including an upgrade of electrical and mechanical plants at both centres, revamped changing rooms and refurbished swimming pool halls.

GBC deputy leader and lead member for leisure, David Turner, said: "Providing aesthetically pleasing, modern gym facilities in a welcoming environment is key to encouraging many people to take that first step towards making exercise a habit; and that means a healthier life." A GCLL spokesperson added: "The next 10 years will see an even greater transformation of the sites so as to improve them to a level comparable with any private sector facility but at a much more affordable price giving equity of access to all of the local community."

Image: New facilities at Cygnet Leisure Centre