The first phase of a £1.1m expansion of Roefield Leisure Centre in Clitheroe, Lancashire, could be complete as early as August, adding a new fitness suite to the site.

Work on phase two of the project, which will see the construction of a new aerobic and dance studio and a new gym, could begin in autumn for completion in April 2009.

Ribble Valley Borough Council, the North West Development Agency, the Bowland Charitable Trust and a Sport England Lottery award have provided funding for the scheme. A developer has not yet been confirmed.

The new fitness suite will be equipped with 46 stations of Life Fitness cardiovascular and resistance equipment with fully integrated screens, and a VIVO connectivity system.

The proposed gym will be dedicated to young people and over-50s, and will provide daily access to activities including the Time Out Youth Activity Centre and the GP Exercise on Prescription Scheme.

The expansion will also allow Roefield, which is operated by registered charity Ribble Valley Sport and Recreation, to develop and broaden participation in its existing sport and recreation activities, and it is aiming to increase its programme of organised activities for young people, families and over-50s in particular.

“This not-for-profit and independent organisation has gone from a barn to a thriving, bustling, commercially-minded business and has still retained its core value of ensuring access for all to sport and recreation,” said Roefield manager Tony Rodia.

“Investing in the centre will benefit the whole community in Clitheroe and beyond,” said Stewart Kellett, Sport England’s regional director for the North West.