HRH Princess Anne officially opens the Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth

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The opening celebration, which was attended by local clubs and members of the Meridian Leisure Centre, included a tour of the facilities, which are some of the best in the East Midlands.

The Meridian Leisure Centre was developed as part of the three phased Community Leisure Project by East Lindsey District Council aimed at improving the health of local people.

East Lindsey District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Councillor Adam Grist. who developed the project, led Her Royal Highness’ tour. Cllr Grist, explained: “Although the Meridian Leisure Centre has been open since February 6 this was an exciting and important opportunity for us to show Her Royal Highness this amazing Leisure Centre that is already transforming the health of local people.

“When developing the leisure project, we set out with the belief that by providing people with excellent leisure facilities that they want to use, we could encourage more people to take part in health related activities. Already, I’ve heard some amazing stories of success from the Meridian Leisure Centre, people taking part in sports for the first time and having a much better quality of life as a result.”

The unveiling of a plaque by Her Royal Highness concluded the visit and declared the £12m Meridian Leisure Centre officially open to the community.

Since opening in February the Meridian Leisure Centre has developed a membership of 1,600 regular users and has been used more than 160,000 times.

The Meridian Leisure Centre incorporates an 80 station fitness suite, with the latest FitLinxx technology to help improve the user’s workout; an eight lane, 25m swimming pool, with floating floor, sauna and steam rooms; dance studios, multi purpose rooms, IT suite, crèche and child care facility provided by Town & Country Kiddies, Aqua Vita cafe and large sports hall.

Cllr Grist, continued: “Local people now have a great chance to improve their health. We must continue to encourage more people to be fit and active, whether it’s joining one of the Council’s four Fitness Suites or just going for a walk in their local community.”

“I would like to thank all of those involved in today’s Royal visit, particularly the users of the Meridian Leisure Centre and the many local clubs and organisations that now use this wonderful state-of-the-art leisure centre as their home.”

Membership at the Meridian Leisure Centre, which include various classes and access to the Fitness Suite, Swimming Pool, Sauna and Steam Room is priced at £32.50 per month.

For further information on the Meridian Leisure Centre in Louth, visit the District Council’s website at www.e-lindsey.gov.uk or call 01507 607650.

The construction of two sports pavilions – one on Wainfleet Road in Skegness, the other on London Road in Louth – are two other important elements of the Community Leisure Project. Both of these phases have also been completed.

The Community Leisure Project as a whole was funded by national and regional sporting organisations and East Lindsey District Council. The total project cost has been around £16m.