A £2.5m makeover for Hambleton’s premier leisure centre is all set to kick off.

The district council has appointed Alliance Leisure Services Ltd as its development partner for the massive redevelopment scheme.

The company will pull the project together – starting with fine tuning designs ready for planning applications to be submitted soon.

The lion’s share of the project will be borne by Hambleton District Council itself – councillors will invest £2.3m to extend and refurbish the health and fitness facilities. The remaining £213,000 comes as National Lottery funding from Sport England – which is specifically targeted at improving the swim change facilities.

The scheme includes a new gym extension that will double the current work out area; two studios and new and improved changing rooms.