Mayor of Cheshire East and Alsager councillor, Rod Fletcher, found himself gearing up for something a little different at the opening of a revamped leisure centre.

Cllr Fletcher cut the ribbon at Congleton Leisure Centre with 1964 Tokyo Olympic gold and silver medallist, Ann Brightwell MBE.

Cllr Fletcher then went on a tour of the facilities and tried his hand at equipment at the centre which opened to the public today (Thursday).   

Congleton Leisure Centre now contains some of the most up-to-date leisure and fitness amenities following the ceremonial opening.

The centre, redeveloped in partnership with the borough's leisure trust Everybody Health and Leisure, contains spacious fitness and cycling studios, plus a four-court sports hall, and a touch of luxury in the form of a thermal spa with a scented steam room and sauna for relaxation.

Swimmers can enjoy a six-lane, 25-metre pool, complete with raised starting blocks for gala events.

Everybody Health and Leisure will open the doors to members and non-members from 6am on Thursday 29 June. The full offer consists of:

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· Six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool;

· 12-metre learner pool;

· Thermal spa with scented steam room and sauna;

· 100-station, two-storey gym and fitness suite with state-of-the-art equipment;

· Group fitness studios;

· Group cycling studio;

· Four-court sports hall;

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· Café with adjoining three-storey children's soft play area;

· A children's party room;

· Community rooms including treatment rooms;

· Meeting rooms, including the Brightwell Suite; and

· Free parking for 114 vehicles, including electric vehicle charging points.

Under her maiden name, Ann Packer, Ann took gold and silver in the 1964 Olympics, in Tokyo. She married another Olympic silver medallist Robbie Brightwell before moving to Congleton.

Sadly, Robbie died in March 2022. She has three sons, two of them – Ian and David – who both played for Manchester City, while Gary also became a 400m runner, following his mum.

Chris Johnson, managing director of the principal project contractor Pulse Design and Build, said: "We are extremely proud of the leisure centre we have built for Cheshire East Council.

"Our team has worked incredibly hard to ensure that the community-focused facility meets every detail of their brief, and we are confident that it will serve as an invaluable resource for local community members to enjoy for many years to come."