Active Luton has confirmed that a new £1.5m sports complex currently being developed by leisure specialist Createability will open its doors at Lewsey Park in January 2012.

The new Lewsey Sports Park is being built on the site of a former snooker and squash club and will provide squash and boxing facilities, as well as a health and fitness suite.

Active Luton, which will run the facility on behalf of Luton Borough Council, has said it will ensure the venue is accessible to residents through memberships and pay-as-you-go options.

Helen Barnett, chief executive of Active Luton, said: "Lewsey Sports Park will be a massive boost for the local community which has had inadequate sports facilities for far too long.

"This is all set to change as this first class centre will attract new players and users from the local neighbourhood and from right across Luton."

Council leader Hazel Simmons added: "It will be a welcomed boost to the local community at a time when improving health is such a high priority."