Dumfries’ DG One £17m leisure complex has finally opened to the public after numerous delays.

The centre – owned, operated and funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council, with contributions from Sport Scotland and the South of Scotland European Partnership – was originally scheduled to open in September.

A spokesperson for the council said the delay was due to lack of progress from main contractor Kier Northern, and that the council has received liquidation damages.

The facility has an 80-station, 225sq m (2,422sq ft) fitness suite with Vivo cardiovascular and resistance equipment from Life Fitness, and a reception and changing area.

A health suite contains a sauna, steamroom, spa pool, and treatment rooms, along with a relaxation lounge area, and will offer a range of sports therapy treatments.

The pool area includes a national short course 25m eight-lane competition pool, with tiered seating for 250 spectators, a deck level training with a movable floor, a free-form leisure pool with beach style “walk in” access and two flume-water rides, and changing rooms.

There is also a multipurpose sport hall measuring 918sq m (9,881sq ft), the largest in the region, with accommodation for the national competition standard for a range of sports, and facilities for 1,200-spectator stage events.

A 150sq m aerobics/dance studio for up to 30 people, an 80-seat cafeteria and a 40-seat bar are also located on site.

The health and fitness suites will be developed as part of the council’s Profiles Plus Health and Fitness scheme, with level two fitness instructors.

Sporting activity including coaching in badminton, gymnastics, short-mat bowl and table tennis will be developed through the Target Sports Programme, with support from sportscotland and the National Governing Bodies of Sport.

“This is a very exciting time for everyone involved in DG One and indeed everyone living in and visiting Dumfries and Galloway,” said Patsy Gilroy, convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council. “This facility brings together unprecedented opportunities to swim, work out, be entertained, and have an enormous amount of fun.”