THE Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub is set to open next week and the Warrington Guardian was given a behind-the scenes look at the new centre.

LiveWire says the first part of the £16 million renovation will open to the public next Monday following tours this week.

The centre on Barrow Hall Lane will include a new pool, gym equipment, a library, café and updated sports facilities.

Although the swimming pool is not yet complete, visitors will be able to use the new fitness suite, three group exercise studios - including an indoor cycle studio - as well as the library area.

A cafe in the main concourse is set to be open in the next few weeks.

The hub has also been created so that it is dementia-friendly, meaning it is easily accessible and safe for those suffering from the illness.

Operations director, Matthew Parker, said: “We have worked closely with the University of Sterling to deliver a dementia-friendly hub, everything from the lighting to the sound control makes the centre more accessible for the elderly community.”

Daytime and evening classes will start from February 19, with a timetable now out.

Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, said: “The Great Sankey Neighbourhood Hub is a fantastic asset for the community, which will bring huge benefits to people of all ages, for many years to come.

“I’m delighted that phase one is complete, and that local people will soon be able to begin enjoying the hi-tech facilities.

“This is far more than a leisure centre. The Hub will provide a fantastic community library, as well as a range of cultural, health and wellbeing services. I’m especially pleased that it is a dementia-friendly building - providing modern and accessible facilities for the local population.”

However, the pool, spa and sports hall will not be ready for next week’s opening date and are not due to be in use until autumn.

A spokesman said: "The completion of phase one will better enable all project delivery partners to produce a timeline for the remainder of these developments, of which will be communicated in due course."

To relax after a workout, the centre offers therapy rooms and a wet spa complete with an ice shower, sauna and Turkish steam bath.

Health rooms will also be available at the centre, due to open in April, for specific NHS services west of Warrington.

The centre is also offering after-school gym sessions for children and coding classes will be available at the computer facilities in the library.