‘EXCITING’ plans to transform the sports hall of a leisure complex have been revealed.

Bosses at Pendle Leisure Centre announced its sports hall will be revamped into a soft play area for children and a fitness and dance class studio.

The changes will also see the Colne centre’s reception redeveloped into a Costa Coffee.

Alison Goode, Pendle Leisure Trusts chief executive, said the refurbishment would help generate extra income into the centre.

The loss of the sports hall would see sports activities moved to the West Craven Sports Centre in Barnoldswick and Colne Primet Academy in Colne at weekends.

Mrs Goode said the plans would be discussed by Pendle Council’s executive group, which owns the building.

She said: “Plans have been drawn up to turn three quarters of the sports hall into a soft play area and the other quarter into a fitness and dance class studio.

“As many people know, mainstream sports are not as popular as they used to be and the sports hall is often under used.

“The new soft play area, fitness and dance class studios and a food and beverage outlet will offer the complete package for everyone in Pendle.

“The plans are exciting and this comes after the refurbishment of the gym at Christmas.

“They are only proposals, however they were given approval at our board and will be sent to the council for approval.”

The centre also houses a women-only gym centre which houses state-of-the-art equipment.

Mrs Goode said: “The proposals have been in the planning stage for quite some time so it’s good to see them going forward.

“If these changes go ahead we would be able to create more revenue for the centre and provide a better service and keep it maintained at its high standard.”

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, leader of Pendle Council, said: “In terms of the council we are happy to support the leisure trust and some of their options.

“As we reduce the grants we give to them it is clear they need to be thinking outside the box to create revenue.

“It’s clear they are doing that with this plan

“I think this will be well worth it for the trust and the people who use it throughout Pendle.”

The proposals will be discussed at Pendle Council’s executive meeting on Thursday, October 19.