A MAJOR refurbishment of Lowestoft's main sports centre is on schedule for a December finish.

The �6m overhaul of the Waterlane Leisure Centre got under way last year, and the redevelopment is continuing apace, as these pictures show.

The photographs, released to The Journal by Waveney District Council, show the improvements currently being made to the centre's main swimming pool and the construction of a new learner pool.

The centre, which was built in 1976, will also be equipped with a new soft play area, a thermal spa, a beauty therapy area and meeting rooms, along with refurbished and improved fitness areas, dedicated studio space for keep-fit and dance classes and a caf�/restaurant.

In March, The Journal reported that the leisure centre would be managed by the recently-formed Sentinel Leisure Trust (SLT) on behalf of the council.

SLT is planning to launch its new membership packages in the autumn, including the offer of a lifetime price guarantee.

Its operations team are also busy working on the programme for activities at the new-look centre and these will be publicised in the next few weeks.

Simon Bellamy, the trust's leisure operations manager, said: 'It's been tough operating with reduced services, but we are delighted with the progress at Waterlane Leisure Centre and the building works are on schedule.

'We're very excited about opening the doors to our refurbished and new facilities.'

Stephen Ardley, deputy leader of Waveney District Council, added: 'This fantastic project is bang on schedule and we are very excited as we move closer to the day the centre re-opens.

'We are investing millions of pounds in creating an exceptional facility for people across the district, and a range of the normal concessions, pay as you go and membership packages are being put together.'

Mr Ardley added: 'We believe the centre will offer something to suit every purse, allowing Waterlane to be enjoyed by all.'