The Newham Council-funded £14.7m Atherton Leisure Centre opened last weekend (2 April), bringing a raft of new leisure facilities to the East London borough.

The centre, built on the site of the former Atherton Leisure Centre, houses a 25m (82ft) six-lane main pool and 20m (66ft) teaching pool. There is also an extensive gym with the latest exercise equipment from Life Fitness, two fitness studios, a group cycling studio, café, crèche and soft play area.

Construction company Mulalley built the new centre working to designs from Pozzoni in collaboration with Rick Mather Architects. The centre is one of four leisure centres – including Balaam, Newham and East Ham – and a fitness centre in Manor Park, run by activeNewham on behalf of Newham Council.

Mayoral advisor for environment and leisure, councillor Ian Corbett, said: “The new Atherton Centre shows that despite the continuing cuts to our government funding we remain committed to providing a wide range of sport and leisure opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across the borough.