An open day of activities will be held to mark the opening of the new Waltham Abbey leisure centre.

The new facility will open its doors to the public on November 17.

As well ass free swimming and exercise classes such as aqua aerobics, yoga and body combat, little ones will be able to enjoy bouncy castle, face painting sessions and a meet and greet with Pooch, the Places Leisure cuddly mascot.

Chris McCarthy, general manager for the leisure company, said: “We are delighted to be opening the doors of the new Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre and are looking forward to our community coming along to enjoy all that the facilities have to offer.

"This impressive leisure venue will support us in our ongoing commitment to providing enhanced and improved leisure facilities to the local community as we aim to achieve our social mission of creating active and healthy people."

The design, build, operate and maintain contract was awarded by Epping Forest District Council to Places Leisure, its construction partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Pozzoni. The new centre has a green roof, an 80-station state of the art gym, a six lane swimming pool with separate teaching pool, community room and cafe, amongst other fantastic facilities.

Councillor Helen Kane, portfolio holder for leisure and community services at the council, said: "It is a tremendous pleasure to see the new centre opening in Waltham

Abbey.

"It is especially pleasing at a time when so many other Councils are struggling to provide quality leisure facilities and it demonstrates this Council’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its residents.

"The old leisure centre at Roundhills became a focus for community activity and we hope the new centre at Ninefields will operate in the same way.

"The development has presented some challenges but thanks to all involved, has been completed ahead of schedule and on budget.

"I look forward to seeing the new centre and the community it serves thrive over the coming years."

For further information on the opening day and activities available in the new centre visit www.walthamabbeyleisurecentre.org