LONG-AWAITED improvements totalling around £1.3m are on the cards at a rundown leisure centre.

The news comes after council bosses announced the name of the firm which will manage and operate Ferndown Leisure Centre.

Surrey-based DC Leisure, which runs around 100 leisure centres, is set to carry out a massive refurbishment of the complex, which is also used by the town's upper school.

Plans include a new health and fitness suite, refurbishment of the changing rooms and gymnasium, a new reception area and improved access for disabled users.

Youth and community services manager for Dorset County Council Derek Higton said it was great news for the town.

"It's been a long and difficult process getting to the point where we have managed to secure a private sector partner.

"The company is the largest in Britain in its field and we are looking forward to working with them over the next 10 to 15 years."

Once final details have been finalised it is hoped work on revamping the centre will start early in the New Year.

Mr Higton believed staff at the centre would have a range of opportunities working for such a highly regarded company.

And he added: "People will see a much better centre for the same sort of prices they are paying at the moment."

Ferndown mayor Cllr Pat Young said: "When you have a town the size of Ferndown with a population of 25,000, you need a good leisure facility. There is only one way we can go and that's forward."

The county council are expected to inject around £400,000 a year towards running costs at the centre while Ferndown Town Council has agreed to contribute £15,000.

DC Leisure was one of several firms which submitted bids to refurbish and run the centre.

First published: September 22