A swimming pool in Buxton, Derbyshire, has closed its doors to the public in order to allow construction work to get underway on the first phase of a major £3m revamp of the facility.

Buxton Pool, operated by management company DC Leisure on behalf of High Peak Borough Council (HPBC), is set to undergo improvements to the swimming pool hall and changing facilities as part of stage one of the project. Plant and machinery will also be refitted during the first phase of work, which is due to be completed by Easter 2010. Work will then start on the second phase to provide a new 150sq m (1,615sq ft) health and fitness facility.

Initial plans for the gym area include the installation of 35 stations of cv, resistance and free weights equipment, which are expected to be supplied by Technogym and Precor. A group exercise studio will also be created. Andrew Bingham, HPBC executive councillor for social and community development, said: "We regret the inconvenience that the closure of Buxton Pool will cause but our consultation has shown that these improvements are what people want - and have a right to expect in the 21st century."