Were you among the people who had a swim when the Felixstowe Leisure Centre oepned in 1985?

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

It was a race against time to get the building ready for the much-anticipated opening – but it proved worthwhile as excited residents of all ages queued to see inside and take advantage of the free first day swimming on offer.

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

Built on the site of the old Pier Pavilion, it featured a range of facilities the resort had never had before, including a main swimming pool, teaching and baby pools, a water slide, indoor bowls hall, multi-purpose hall, children’s soft play area called Funtasia, and cafe .

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

The centre at Pier Bight was set to cost £2.8million but was £4.3m by the time construction was complete.

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

Can you spot yourself or anyone you know in these pictures from our archives? Were you a regular at the Felixstowe Leisure centre when it opened, or do you still go there now? To share your own pictures and memories of the Felixstowe Leisure Centre with us, or to reveal the names of someone in the photographs, email our picture desk at suffolkpicturedesk@archant.co.uk

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Swimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure CentreSwimmers enjoying the pools at the official opening of Felixstowe Leisure Centre (Image: Archant)