A STATE-OF-THE-ART lifestyle centre will hold a landmark ceremony in Crewe this morning.

The event, which takes place at 10am on Monday, February 23, will see a ceremonial topping out ceremony to mark completion of the main structure of the Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

The £15 million Crewe Lifestyle Centre will replace some ageing buildings, including the old Crewe pool, the corporation swimming baths in Flag Lane, which was built in 1937.

Cheshire East Leader, Michael Jones said: “This project reflects the commitment my Council has made to further the growth and prosperity of Crewe, giving the people of the town the amenities they need and deserve all under one roof.

“Crewe is going through a major transformation and this is part of the economic revival of the town, where unemployment has fallen together with the number of young people not in employment, education or training.

“Unemployment in Crewe is down to just 1.3 per cent and there are more new jobs on the horizon, plus the university technical college, contributing to the creation of a new generation of skilled young people.

“Crewe Lifestyle Centre will give the hard-working people of Crewe a place to relax and exercise.”

The lifestyle centre, which is due to open in late spring 2016, features an eight-lane, 25m competition-standard pool in addition to an adjoining 17m learner pool.

A spectator gallery will seat more than 175 people, including wheelchair-users.

Advanced hydraulic wheelchair lifts in and out of both pools will provide essential aids for disabled and mobility-impaired users.

Disabled and mobility-impaired users will also have use of other essential mobility aids in the changing ‘village'.

The centre will feature a multi-purpose four-court sports hall that may also be used for public or private functions, as well as a library and café.

The building will also provide specialist adult care and children’s services that will provide  advice and information to the people of Crewe and its surrounding areas.

It will provide day facilities for adults with learning disabilities, including autism, sensory impairment and complex needs and a safe meeting place for vulnerable families.

Cllr Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Cabinet member for adult social care, said: “This topping out event represents a further landmark in the creation of the best council-owned leisure and fitness facility in the whole of the Borough.

“Crewe Lifestyle Centre will be unique to our residents in that it will also provide access to some council services for Crewe residents, including adult care and children’s services."

Crewe Lifestyle Centre is expected to be fully operational in late spring 2016.