Work has begun on a £2 million makeover of two Swale leisure centres.

The borough council is investing in changes and repairs to Sheppey Healthy Living Centre, Sheppey Pool, and Swallows Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne.

The improvements at Swallows will see a new family activity zone, with enhanced soft play, a new virtual spin studio and an extended gym, with equipment upgrades and approximately 10 new stations.

It will also have a new healthy lifestyle gym, which will include machine-operated fitness equipment specifically created for residents suffering from health-related problems such as mobility or obesity.

Sheppey Leisure Complex will also benefit from a healthy lifestyle gym, a virtual spin room and improved gym facilities, with equipment upgrades and approximately 12 new stations.

Work started at both sites at the beginning of the month, with Swallows’ dry-side toilets being the first focus.

Preparatory works and surveys are currently being done for the bigger changes.

As part of the project, the Swallows pool will be closed for repairs to be made to the roof and air handling units.

It will shut prior to Christmas and be closed for approximately 17 weeks.

Swale Community Leisure (SCL) – the trust that manages the leisure centres, supported by Serco – says it has been working hard on reducing the impact for regular users, has re-housed the swimming clubs at Maidstone Leisure Centre and is finalising plans for swimming lessons.

Meanwhile, the contract with SCL has been extended by five-and-a-half years.

The trust is also looking at options which may allow additional family activities at Sheppey Leisure Complex and could include making better use of the existing outdoor tennis courts.