A leisure centre in Norfolk has announced a new reopening date after a near year-long closure and an investment of nearly £4 million.

Diss Leisure Centre -  which is run by South Norfolk Council - has announced that it will reopen its swim centre on January 13 after a series of future-proofing refurbishment works.

The improvements include re-shaping and re-tiling of the swimming pool area, bigger changing rooms, an improved lobby and reception area and a new pool viewing area.

A mockup of what the new swimming pool will look like come January (Image: South Norfolk Council) New air source heat pumps, building cladding, insulation and solar panels on the roof will also be added after the centre secured £1.2m of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding as part of the investment.

The reopening comes after a "significant issue" with the original changing room floor - which now requires a complete replacement - delayed the reopening from its initial December date.

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Cabinet member Kim Carsok said: “This is really exciting news and highlights that the health and wellbeing of our residents is a priority for the council.

"While other councils are being forced to cut back on their leisure provision, I’m very proud that we have recognised how important it is to help our residents stay fit and healthy.

The centre will feature a new pool viewing area upon reopening (Image: South Norfolk Council) "I am also very proud that we will be able to continue to teach hundreds of children to swim every year.

“We’ve already invested in our leisure facilities in Wymondham and Long Stratton, and now the first part of our plan for Diss is complete.”