Hertsmere Leisure has been appointed to operate the new £21m Bletchley Leisure Centre near Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, which is scheduled to open to the public on 3 January 2010.

The new facility, which will replace Bletchley's existing leisure centre, will feature a 780sq m (8,396sq ft), 100-staton fitness suite equipped by Matrix Fitness Systems to incorporate aerobics and spinning activities. Milton Keynes Council (MKC) is hoping to gain Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accreditation for the complex, which will also boast a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool; a sauna and steamroom; four squash courts; a six-court sports hall and a seven-rink bowls facility.

A gymnastics hall, a multi-purpose hall and a café will also be provided by the new Bletchley Leisure Centre, which has been developed by Bedford-based contractor SDC and will be handed over to the council on 21 December ahead of its opening. MKC leisure spokesperson Paul Sanders said: "With the transfer from the old centre to the new one straddling Christmas, a traditional time when leisure centres often close for maintenance works, this couldn't be better timed and a great New Year start when many people want to make those resolutions to get more active and fitter."

Craig Millar, SDC director responsible for the scheme, added: "Many of us at SDC will always have a soft spot for this project; having been involved with this scheme from concept to completion we feel a part of the community in delivering something for everyone in Bletchley and beyond."