Work has now begun on the £1.65m redevelopment of Hartsdown Leisure Centre in Margate, Kent.

The revamp of the facility, which is managed by sports trust Thanet Leisureforce, will see the eight-court sports hall adapted to become a four-court hall, two exercise studios, a soft play area and a large gym.

The coffee area and changing rooms will be refurbished and a new reception area added.

The work is being funded and project managed by Alliance Leisure and carried out by design and build contractor Createability.

Stephen Parker, business development manager for Alliance Leisure said: "We are delighted to be working with Thanet Leisureforce and Thanet District Council on this redevelopment. Not only does this project see an old building being brought into the 21st Century but it will also enable the trust to move forward commercially."