Work has got underway on a £3.1m project led by Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) to refurbish the South Charnwood Swimming Pool in Syston, Leicestershire.

The facility, which is one of three owned by the council, will initially remain open to the public while work is carried out, but will close from 1 June until early September in order to complete the revamp. A new gym and dance studio, a health suite and additional changing rooms are being created as part of the refurbishment, while the pool hall, current changing facilities and reception area will be upgraded.

CBC's cabinet member for leisure, Peter Lewis, said: "This fulfils promises we've made over many years – and this project is of inestimable value to people of all ages who live in South Charnwood. "In the present economic climate, we've many, many constraints on the public purse. But we believe the health and well-being of all to be a supreme priority."

Mike Preston, CBC cabinet member for environment, added: "This necessary work will help prolong the life of the swimming pool and the new dance studio and health suite will make it a wonderful attraction for use by local schools and people living in surrounding villages."