Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington has cut the ribbon on a new £7m leisure centre in Selby, North Yorkshire.

Adlington, the first British swimmer in 100 years to win two Olympic golds, set up shop next to the centre’s two new swimming pools – a training pool and a six-lane 25m pool – as she delivered teaching sessions for young swimmers.

The new centre – designed by architects Bradshaw Gass and Hope – was part-funded by a £2m Sport England grant. The facility includes a health and fitness centre with around 100 stations of Technogym equipment, plus changing facilities, sauna, steamroom and a class and exercise studio. There is also a refurbished synthetic sports pitch; a multi-use space for large classes, activities and sports; as well as meeting spaces.

The need for a new leisure centre in Selby arose after the previous venue was devastated by a fire in February 2012, which happened not long after a £1m refit of facilities.

Andy Wiggans, chair of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) – which is managing Selby Leisure Centre, said – “We are extremely proud to be managing this brilliant new facility and supporting people in Selby in becoming more active and healthy.

“It was great to see the showcase of activities available at the centre during the event, and I am sure this new facility is going to be a wonderful asset to the community.”