Centre gets the first of £18m leisure cash

The money, coming from a 15-year partnership between Bolton Council and commercial company Serco Leisure, will bring big changes to the borough's 12 council-owned centres.

Work is already underway at the Horwich centre and early next year customers will be able to take full advantage of the improved facilities.

These will include a state-of-the-art health and fitness suite, a new Cafe Nescafe overlooking the existing sports hall, a creche and a dedicated children's area, including a party room.

Chris Jackson, manager of Horwich Leisure Centre, said: "The new partnership is a massive boost for our leisure centres and the main winners will be our customers.

"Their leisure experience will be greatly enhanced through improvements made to the facilities. It will also put the centres in a position to compete with private clubs."

The deal will also benefit the Excel Centre, and leisure centres in Farnworth, Westhoughton, Deane, Turton, Sharples, Kearsley, Hayward, Little Lever, Harper Green and Withins.

Cllr Laurie Williamson, Bolton Council's executive member for culture, said: "Horwich Leisure Centre will be the first to benefit from this substantial investment.

"Our intention is to create in Horwich an inclusive range of leisure, fitness and lifestyle facilities which will rival the best of the private sector.

"This marks day one of a bright new future for leisure across the borough."

The local authority will continue to own the buildings but Serco, which already has leisure operations in Manchester and Stockport, will run them.

Charges for activities will be agreed through consultation by both the council and Serco, and the existing council Leisure Card will still be valid and available.

Clive Williams, operations manager for Serco, added: "What we're about is providing sport, leisure and health for all ages. We want to take facilities with great potential and provide state of the art amenities for everyone."