A £3m expansion and refurbishment of Kingswood Leisure Centre has resulted in 150% increase in the number of visitors since it opened last May.

The revamp, funded jointly by South Gloucestershire Council and Circadian Trust, included a new, fully equipped gym and 20 new spin bikes the Centre ? creating a 80% increase in membership over the past year.

Swimming has also seen a dramatic increase with more than 26,000 people using the new 25-meter pool throughout July and August, almost 50% more than the previous year.

The changing rooms and public areas were modernised and a new lift was added in order to improve access for disabled people and those with young children in buggies.

Chair of South Gloucestershire Council's Communities Committee, Cllr Claire Young, said: "It is vital we invest in the future health and wellbeing of the district and recognise the considerable contribution to health improvement this facility has made to the people living in the Priority Neighbourhoods of Kingswood and Staple Hill.

"We are incredibly pleased to see people reacting so positively to the refurbished Centre."

The success of the re-development has enabled the Trust to expand and develop its services and programming for the local community, including brand new softplay zone Galactica, which opened in May this year. Mark Crutchley, Chief Executive at Circadian Trust said:

"Our customers have responded positively to the refurbishment, which has really transformed both the facility and the way people use it.

"It is a tribute to the excellent outfitting of equipment in the gym, new pool, and modern, family-friendly surroundings that we have had such a positive reaction.

"The feedback is that people are delighted to see this level of care and quality in their local leisure facilities as they play such an important part in the community.

"After such an inspiring summer of sport, this investment will continue to make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the people in South Gloucestershire."