A LEISURE centre will see the next phase of its £1.1million refurbishment work begin in early 2016, according to Wychavon District Council.

Based at Briar Mill in Droitwich, the town's leisure centre was granted the major investment by Wychavon District Council's Executive Board in September 2014.

More than a year later, the centre's revamped cafe was re-opened last week, heralding the start of further works to changing areas, toilets and showers, creating a better range of health and fitness facilities and introducing a new health spa, including salt inhalation room, sauna and aroma steam room.

Councillor Emma Stokes, portfolio holder for leisure at Wychavon District Council, said: "I’m delighted to see work get underway on the improvements to Droitwich Leisure Centre. This is a significant investment we are making, jointly with Wychavon Leisure, and will see the centre offer high quality facilities to residents."

Peter Williams, Wychavon Leisure’s Managing Director, said: "This is another example of a Wychavon District Council and Wychavon Leisure jointly funded partnership scheme that will refresh Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and ensure that we continue to offer facilities and services that our customers require."

Along with the new facilities, the leisure centre will be redecorated with a "strong, contemporary interior design approach".

A spokesperson of Wychavon Council added: "Additional phases of work to improve the outdoor areas and car parking will take place as resources allow."

The project is being financed through a combination of New Homes Bonus money and funds linked to planning agreements.

Wychavon Leisure has funded a total of £550,000, on loan from the District Council which will be paid back over ten years. The other half of the money is coming from the District Council.

Droitwich Leisure Centre is the oldest of the District's three facilities, which are based in Droitwich, Pershore and Evesham.