Central London sports centre, the Porchester Centre, has now reopened after a £1.2m expansion and refurbishment, financed by Westminster City Council, the London Marathon Trust and sports trust Greenwich Leisure Ltd.

Facilities have been improved by extending into a neighbouring property. The space previously used to house three large steam driven boilers has created two extra floors of accommodation, allowing a new exercise studio and a 140-station gym to be created.

Other improvements include a refurbished reception area, changing rooms and squash court and new gym kit. The site also has a 30m pool, a teaching pool and a spa.

Cllr Steve Summers, Westminster City Council’s cabinet member for the community, reopened the centre yesterday: “The completion of this project demonstrates our commitment to providing all of our residents with excellent access to sporting activity in Westminster, the result of which is a more active and healthier city.”