24 August 2011Last updated at 10:20

Doors open at Matlock's new £12m Arc Leisure centre

The new £12m Arc Leisure centre in Matlock is open to the public for the first time. Derbyshire Dales District Council described it as "the biggest single development" it had ever undertaken.

The new centre, which features a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness suite, is opening with a "preview week" in which there are no booked sessions but visitors can try out the new facilities.

The new swimming pool replaces Matlock Lido which closed its doors after 73 years on Sunday 14 August.

The new pool includes a colourful splash pad for children as well as a learner pool.

Showers by the pool at Arc Leisure Matlock

Derbyshire Dales District Council said members of Matlock Lido could switch their membership to the new centre at no extra cost.

Entrance to changing rooms at Arc Leisure Matlock

The swimming pool features unisex changing rooms, a feature common with many new leisure centres.

Arc Leisure's full height sports hall can accommodate regional standard badminton courts, indoor hockey, basketball, volleyball, five-a-side football, cricket practice and netball.

The centre, which was built by local construction company Morgan Sindall, also features a 50-station fitness suite.

Work on the new centre, built on an area of reclaimed land between Matlock and Darley Dale, was completed on schedule.

Arc Leisure Matlock with views across the Derwent Valley and Oker hillside.

Geoff Stevens, chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council, said: "It is a fabulous building in a fabulous setting."

Derby

Doors open at Matlock's new £12m Arc Leisure centre

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