A £4.2MILLION refurbishment of Selwyn Jones Sports Centre has been approved by councillors at a meeting of St Helens Council’s Cabinet this afternoon.

The scheme will transform the Newton-le-Willows centre into a modern, dynamic sports facility.

St helens Council says it will see a complete overhaul of the whole interior of the venue, with the creation of a mezzanine floor within the sports hall to increase the overall floor area.

This will allow for the creation of an adventure play area for under 11s, with three party rooms, and a split level fitness suite with 90 exercise stations.

The existing fitness suite will be converted into a "multi-functional exercise studio".

An "Immersive Exercise Bike Studio" will also be created, giving the centre two dedicated studio spaces.

A coffee shop and café will also be included and all other remaining areas of the building renovated.

According to the local authority, Sports England has provided funding to improve pool and fitness suite access for people with a disability.

This will pave the way for the development of the changing areas into a ‘Village Change’ and the redecoration of the pool balcony.

Outdoor pitch changing rooms will also be refurbished.

After failures in the heating and ventilation systems, a decision was also approved to replace the existing operating system with a more modern, efficient one.

St Helens Council says it will "prudentially borrow" £3.9 million in order to finance the refurbishment of the centre.

The council estimates this will be covered by an increased income.

A funding grant from Sports England of £335,000 has also been confirmed.

It is estimated that the full refurbishment of the centre will be phased over 46 weeks, which will start after Christmas.

A council statement read: "The planned makeover follows on from an initial scheme, approved by councillors in December 2016, to improve changing facilities and make a modest increase to the size of the fitness suite.

"However, following a further review, a decision was taken to drastically improve the facilities on offer.

"This was based on the lack of similar leisure facilities in the area, an increase in demand – both in population and in popularity of leisure, health and wellbeing activities, and its ability to generate increased income from an enhanced offer.

"The investment will see the centre transformed in to a modern, dynamic facility, offering the best health and fitness activities locally, and aiming to get more people, more active, more often.

"Every effort will be made to keep leisure facilities open to the public, with access to the pool area maintained for the majority of the construction phase, and newly refurbished areas reopening as each phase is completed.

"Clubs and groups displaced by the work have already been supported to find alternative venues when the work commences."

Commenting on the approval, Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm our commitment to deliver a high quality, modern leisure facility.

"Not only will this be of benefit to the residents of Newton-le-Willows, Earlestown and Haydock, but due to its location and appeal, it will be an attractive venue for residents across the borough and beyond.

“We are committed to getting more people, more active, more often – especially families, young people, older people and those who are overweight, and these new facilities will help encourage all to get fitter and healthier whilst having fun.

“The centre will see a new split level, state-of-the-art fitness suite, new multi-functional exercise and cycling studios, a “village style” pool changing area, an adventure play area, party rooms and new café providing young families with a great place to relax and enjoy.

“This investment will create a sports centre and facilities that will be a pleasure to use and a real asset to local people long in to the future.”

The news has also been welcomed by Conor McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said: "This is welcome news for my constituents in Newton-le-Willows and across the borough.

"Despite the financial pressures faced, this major investment in the sports centre is another example of the council's ambition to improve local facilities and job prospects for local residents."