A MAJOR revamp of the Oval leisure centre in Bebington is set to be approved by councillors later this month.

The £775,,000 project to be considered by cabinet will see improvements to reception and upgrades to the sports hall and the pool changing facilities.

The aim is to create a 'stand out' site that is multi-functional and can be an affordable centre competing even more strongly with the ever increasing number of private facilities.

The Oval's upgrade will also mean more people than ever will be able to take advantage of recent new and improved Invigor8 membership schemes which now offer access across the whole borough to seven gyms with earlier and extended opening hours, 10 pools and more than 350 exercise classes, six indoor tennis courts and a sailing centre.

The project aims address some very long standing issues, such as drainage in changing areas and to improve the facilities for customers in the reception area, including provision of self-service options.

The Oval in Bebington has over the last 18 months received significant funding to double the size of its fitness facility create studio space and restore parts of the iconic grandstand.

Cabinet member for leisure, Cllr Phill Brightmore, said: "The Oval – which famously was used to film key scenes of the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire – is one of Wirral Leisure’s flagship leisure centres, unique in the borough boasting a 25m competition pool, athletics track, football pitches, and tennis courts.

"These improvements form part of a larger investment in Wirral’s leisure services, ensuring that they remain accessible and affordable for all residents, and represents another excellent example of Wirral Council’s careful management of its budget at a time of continuing pressure on local government finances.

"Our services are extensive and Wirral Council invests £5 million a year in making sure that statement remains true, in addition to more than £8 million invested in the past few years on making sure our services are of the best possible quality.

"Recent years have seen the authority focus on bringing in revenue where possible to ensure we are able to not just continue providing crucial services which local people rely upon, but invest in much-valued facilities such as the Oval which will play a key role not just for its local community but for residents across the borough."