A project to give a new look to a town’s leisure centre and provide major improvements to its facilities has been awarded a £500,000 lottery grant.

The scheme for Deben Pool at Woodbridge is part of Suffolk Coastal’s commitment to improve its leisure centres and to encourage more people to become fit and active.

Sport England National Lottery Funding has agreed to give the £500,000 from its improvement fund to support the council, which is investing £2.5million in the £3m project.

Planning permission has already been granted and a business case approved. Leisure chiefs expect work to begin in September and be complete next summer.

Sport England property director, Charles Johnston said: “Sports facilities are vital to encouraging people to be more active and we know people have a better experience of sport when they can play in good quality facilities.

“The investment being made into Deben Leisure Centre through our Improvement Fund will make a big difference to community sport in Suffolk and will ensure everyone has a place to get active and enjoy sport.”

TJ Haworth-Culf, council cabinet member for customers, communities and leisure, said: “We’re delighted to have received this funding and backing from Sport England National Lottery Funding as it importantly means that the improvement works can be completed at no cost to the tax payer.

“Their valued support confirms that our proposals for Deben Leisure Centre are in line with the latest sports recommendations – ensuring that our residents have the best facilities that meet today’s and future standards.

“We hope this will be the start of a long relationship with them as we progress our leisure development programme for the whole of the district.”

The project will equip the building in Station Road, with a larger 50-station first-floor gym.

The front of the building will be demolished, while the swimming pool will remain in place, with plans for a single storey thermal suite extension at the rear, housing a steam and sauna room, ice room and lounge area. The centre will be closed for 10 months while the work takes place.

The council is also planning similar revamps at Felixstowe and Leiston leisure centres.