The UK's first leisure centre to be constructed under the government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is due to open today.

The £6.5m Crosby Leisure Centre on the Mersey Estuary in Sefton, is the result of a partnership between Sefton Council and Parkwood PFI Projects, under the scheme whereby the private sector undertakes a contract to design, build, finance and operate new facilities on behalf of the public sector.

The leisure centre, which will be managed by Parkwood, boasts a 25m competition pool plus teaching pool, four-court sports hall, squash courts, dance studio and cr'che and catering facilities. It will also include Parkwood's Expressions brand health and fitness suite.

The scheme has been delivered through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Waterfront Leisure, set up especially for the project - a joint venture between Parkwood and contractor G&J Seddon - and which has signed a 25-year contract with Sefton Council.

Construction has been financed through 90 per cent debt funding provided by the PFI Unit of Barclay's Bank with Waterfront providing the remainder of the capital.

Mark Davies, director of Parkwood PFI Projects, said: 'PFI currently delivers billions of pounds worth of investment in schools, hospitals, transport and other infrastructure projects, but the Sefton PFI project was the first leisure scheme to reach successful financial close - in September 2001 - and we are delighted it will become the first new leisure centre to be opened under PFI.'

Parkwood is close to signing a deal for a £30m PFI scheme to upgrade public leisure facilities in Bexley, south-east London. Details: www.parkwood-holding.co.uk