Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington is to receive an extensive modernisation to its fitness facilities as part of a refurbishment due to start in September.

Northumberland County Council and operator Active Northumberland are investing £3.5m into the project, which includes a facelift for the gym, the addition of a new Clip ‘n Climb activity, soft play facilities and a tenpin bowling alley.

The extension of the gym will see Technogym supply more than 100 pieces of equipment, while there will also be a dedicated area for functional training. A new group cycling studio will also be constructed – featuring 25 Keiser bikes and virtual classes – as well as an additional fitness studio.

“The development at Concordia is just the beginning of our site improvement plans and we want to create a modern leisure space that appeals to families and individuals,” said Bruce Ledger, chief executive, Active Northumberland.

“One of our biggest priorities is to inspire people to be active every day and the refurbishment of Concordia will provide residents with fantastic facilities.”

The modernisation work will be done in three phases to minimise disruption. In phase one the existing sports hall will be divided in two with one half unchanged, housing four courts for badminton and football, while the other will feature a themed four-storey soft play area for children of all ages from babies to early teens.

The second development phase starts in November, when work gets underway on the new tenpin bowling alley and a new spa featuring a spa bath, sauna, steamroom, aromatherapy room, heated footspa and monsoon showers.

The final phase features improvements to the foyer and entrance and the relocation of Cramlington Library into the leisure centre, with all works expected to be completed by June 2016.