"TRANSFORMATIVE" works to regenerate Maldon's leisure centre are progressing, with the new gym open to the public.

Blackwater Leisure Centre is undergoing a major refurbishment, which also includes new climbing walls, a spa-like wellness suite and a new training swimming area.

The new "state-of-the-art" gym opened on January 2 and is 35 larger than the original gym, with 105 exercise and fitness stations and a mixture of strength and cardio. Work is currently ongoing on the new climbing arena; this is expected to be completed later this month. It will see several interactive and fun climbing walls and climbing areas for people to learn the basics of rock climbing.

The works have been controversial as various sporting groups were forced to leave the centre. It sparked anger from the groups who felt left out and insisted they had nowhere else to go for sports halls and facilities.

Blackwater Leisure Centre's Gym - Pictures by Places Leisure.

Works are also underway on new studio spaces for regular exercise classes as well as community activities, and this is due to be completed by the spring. The phase with the new wellness suite is scheduled to begin in the spring and will feature salt saunas, steam rooms, drench showers, and relaxation spaces.

In October, councillors raised concerns at a meeting about the "ghastly" new windows at the leisure centre's revamped gym, as well as fears that fitness fans might be stalked and stared at. In the final phase, the leisure centre will remove the "outdated" jungle river feature next to the main pool and install a brand new 75-square-metre training area, known as a splash pad.

It will be an interactive part in the swimming pool hall which helps to build water confidence in children and young people.

A spokesman for Places Leisure said: "The improvement works are transformative and will benefit the wider community within the District of Maldon, including some harder to reach groups.

"It will also provide more opportunities for children, families and those with disabilities to access physical exercise and leisure facilities."