THIS is the first look at what will be on offer at Padiham Leisure Centre following a £1.25million makeover lasting eight months.

Centre users will have to make alternative arrangements when the Park Road venue closes its doors on November 16.

But council leisure chiefs say they have made other provisions for keen exercisers while the National Lottery and taxpayer backed scheme takes effect.

An agreement has been reached with Padiham Unitarian chapel, Church Street, to stage group fitness classes there, like the Body Systems programme.

And swimmers and gym patrons are being encouraged to travel into Burnley to use facilities at the St Peter’s Centre and Spirit of Sport, Ormerod Road.

Clear scheme members can still use their SPACE cards, say leisure officials, but casual users will have to purchase a pre-paid saver card for cheaper usage.

Staff have consulted with local swimming clubs and negotiated an arrangement where they will share pool time at St Peter’s.

The schools swimming programme will also be switched to St Peter’s.

Improvements at the revamped centre will include a new large fitness room with state-of-the-art exercise equipment; a separate kids gym for eight to 14-year-olds, and a dance studio, as well as changing areas, reception and health studio.

Coun Charles Bullas, executive member for leisure, said: “This is a major investment in Padiham and will transform the town’s leisure centre.

“It will bring Padiham Leisure Centre in line with the 21st century facilities on offer at our other two council-run sports centres.

“The scale of the work means we have to close the centre and we realise that will cause some disruption to people who use it.

“It will be worth it in the end when the new centre re-opens and people see the improvements.

“In the meantime we’ve consulted with users of Padiham Leisure Centre and tried our hardest to make sure alternative arrangements are in place at other venues to try to minimise any disruption and inconvenience.”