Oadby and Wigston Borough Council is to invest £9m into improvement works for two leisure centres as part of a drive to boost participation levels across all ages and abilities in the region.

Parklands Leisure Centre, in Oadby, and Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre will be given facelifts, with AFLS+P Architects overseeing both projects.

The council’s cash injection comes after awarding Everyone Active a 20-year contract to operate both facilities in April 2014.

Parklands Leisure Centre will benefit from more than £4m worth of refurbishment work. This will include an enlarged 115-station gym with the latest interactive Precor CV equipment, WattBikes, Lateral Ellipticals from Octane Fitness, plus dedicated stretching and free weights areas. There will also be an outdoor training zone with a functional rig on the courtyard based in the centre of the building.

Two new group exercise studios are being created to allow for an enhanced timetable, including the launch of virtual classes by WEXER and Les Mills, while one of the new studios will be used as a dedicated indoor cycling space.

In addition, a brand new 25m (82ft), six-lane swimming pool is being added, along with new changing facilities.

Meanwhile, Wigston Swimming Pool was demolished in October 2014 and a brand new state-of-the-art six lane swimming pool is being built in its place. There will also be a 60-station gym with the latest Precor CV equipment, functional training kit and new changing facilities. Both developments are set to be complete by autumn 2015.

“We are committed to delivering first-rate facilities and are thrilled to be embarking on these extensive improvement works which will greatly enhance the quality of leisure services in Oadby and Wigston,” said Everyone Active area manager Dan Hicks.

“Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre was a tired and ageing facility from the 1960s and this project will transform it into a welcoming, inspiring space for people of all ages and abilities to get active in. Once complete, the refurbished Parklands Leisure Centre will have the feel of a high end private health club but at local authority prices.”