BUSINESS is booming at Canvey’s leisure centre, with thousands more residents flooding through the doors after its £5.4million revamp.

Waterside Farm, in Somnes Avenue, was officially reopened to the public last month after a 15-month refurbishment to bring the Seventies-built site into the 21st century.

Since the relaunch, about 15,000 people have visited the leisure centre in just one month to see the new look for themselves.

The number is up 42.8 per cent from 10,500 visitors in the corresponding period in 2011 before the works began, and up 123.9 per cent from 6,700 visitors in 2012, when there were limited facilities available because of the refurbishment work.

Peter Burch, Castle Point councillor responsible for leisure, said: “I am very pleased so many people are enjoying the new leisure centre.

“A lot of time and effort – and obviouslymoney – went into getting Waterside Farm up to a modern, 21st century standard, so it is good so many people are already benefitting from it.

“I also know a lot of people are rejoining and renewing their membership, which is good.

“I think people are getting a lot more value for their money now, especially compared with other facilities in the area.”

The revamped Waterside now boasts a juice bar, an open-plan reception area, remodelled changing rooms, an expanded New Horizons fitness suite and refurbished sauna and steam rooms.

The swimming pool has undergone a complete overhaul, with a new pool lining, heating system and roof.

However, Mr Burch said the council must not get complacent and would continue to encourage the community to keep fit after the hype of the relaunch had worn off.

He added: “Obviously, these visitor numbers will plateau, but we are going to try to keep putting on events to encourage people to keep staying fit and healthy.

“It is so important, because leading an active lifestyle really can enrich someone’s life by making them fitter – and hopefully enable them to live longer.

“We will also be looking to carry out a review of all of our sports facilities across the whole borough in the near future to put together a strategy for how they can be improved further.”