A SAUNA and steam room at a popular leisure centre have reopened after a refurbishment.

The new 'Thermal Suite' at Hyndburn Leisure Centre opened for the first time yesterday after being shut since October for a £180,000 renovation.

The luxury health suite has been designed by Pulse Fitness and includes a new steam room with almost double the capacity, modern changing facilities, feature shower, sauna and treatment room.

Leisure bosses said the improvements have been wanted by customers for a number of years.

Joanne Mortimer, head of leisure facilities said: “We have an ongoing improvement plan for our facilities, and the health suite at Hyndburn Leisure Centre has been top of the list for a while.

"It’s been an area which has been the focus of customer feedback in recent years so we are sure that customers old and new will be delighted that we have responded to demand and improved this facility.”

The refurbishment comes on the back of other recent major works at the centre, including the refurbishment of the swimming pool and the construction of a new children’s play and party centre, Adventure City.

Use of the suite will be completely free for Lifestyle and Premier members, and will form part of membership packages which includes access to the gym or ladies only feelgood suite, swimming and unlimited fitness classes.

Leisure bosses said the refurbishment should bring more visitors to the centre as it deals with a decreasing budget.

Ciaran Wells, chair of the board at Hyndburn Leisure, said: “The public sector leisure industry is changing.

"Our grant to operate leisure facilities is being reduced year on year, which is why we need to be smart with investments which will lead to savings or new income streams.

"The new Thermal Suite is fantastic and will bring in new members to Hyndburn Leisure Centre, which is vital if we are to continue to operate an excellent public facility."

More information is available by visiting www.hyndburnleisure.co.uk/memberships