BRIDPORT Leisure Centre is set to make substantial improvements to its facilities.

The work - the cost of which has not been disclosed but has been described as 'significant' - includes a refurbishment of the fitness suite and introducing a dedicated group cycling studio.

The changes will also see the addition of a SkillX studio to the leisure centre, a technologically-advanced programme designed to improve power, agility, speed and stamina. It would be one of the first SkillX studios in the country.

Work has already started and is expected to be completed by November 15.

The upgrade of the fitness suite will include the installation of Technogym Excite and Performance equipment which interacts with the MyWellness App, allowing the creation of training plans and customisation of workouts.

There will also be further improvements to the free weight area, which will double in size, adding a plate loaded leg press, half rack and power rack as well as increasing the number of free weights. An area is also being created specifically for stretching.

Centre manager Will Thrower said: “We have been working collaboratively with our equipment providers Technogym and are pleased to be delivering something different and exciting. "The SkillX Studio is also a great opportunity for clubs to train and Bridport Leisure Centre is thrilled to be one of the first centres in the country to deliver this.

“There will be some inevitable disruption whilst we make these improvements, although we try to keep these to a minimum. There will be a temporary closure of the fitness suite, whilst equipment is installed and staff training takes place, but there are plans in place to ease our members through this transition and we will be in contact."

He added: "We ask that our members bear with us at this time, because it will be worth it. I would also like to thank everyone for their continued support of our fantastic community facility."

The new dedicated group cycling studio will see the existing bikes replaced and the space will play host to instructor led, virtual and member led studio cycling experiences.

The SkillX Studio will offer both group and individual training sessions.