Stroud District Council (SDC) has revealed that work on an extensive £750,000 overhaul of the Gloucestershire town's Stratford Park Leisure Centre is to begin tomorrow (1 November).

The start of the "substantial programme of modernisation" coincides with the handing over of the centre's day-to-day management to Sports and Leisure Management (SLM).

SLM will operate the facility under its Everyone Active brand, with improvements to include a new exercise studio; an upgraded gym; and the installation of new fitness equipment.

A new health suite with steamroom and sauna; a refurbishment of the sports hall floor; and an extensive redecoration of the entire complex will also form part of the scheme.

SDC deputy leader Keith Pearson said: "Over the last few months, we have made substantial improvements to the centre - including replacing the windows, a new all-weather pitch, a new ventilation system and a major clean to the front of the building.

"When SLM takes over the management of the centre next week, it will be immediately investing a large sum to make it even better."

Details: www.everyoneactive.com