THE £15 million Crewe Lifestyle Centre has been officially opened.

Crewe Lifestyle Centre opened its doors to the public on April 1 giving Crewe’s residents one of the most modern combined leisure and community amenities in the county.

On Thursday, Sir Philip Craven, president of the International Paralympic Committee, officially opened the state-of-the-art centre.

Sir Philip, who lives in Shavington, said: “It has been an absolute honour to be asked to open this fantastic facility.

“Although I’ve participated at the highest levels of international sport, my passion for grass roots sport remains as strong as ever.

“This lifestyle centre is opening its doors to the whole community.

“When you see this building from the outside you immediately want to come in and see what it’s all about and to have so much going on under one roof is terrific news for Crewe.”

The leisure facilities include a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool, a 100-station fitness suite, a multi-purpose sports hall and group fitness studios.

Cllr Andrew Kolker, chairman of Everybody Sport and Recreation, which manages the leisure facilities, said: “It has been an honour to welcome Sir Philip to Crewe Lifestyle Centre to witness the remarkable work being delivered daily.

“Crewe Lifestyle Centre really is the jewel in the crown of the trust’s 15 facilities we manage on behalf of the Council.

“We have welcomed hundreds of new members since opening and look forward to helping change the lives of residents of our community through sport and healthy recreation.”

Crewe Lifestyle Centre is home to a several council services, including the town’s public library and a community hub where families and people with special needs can access vital day-care support.

Cllr Janet Clowes, cabinet member for adult care and integration, and project champion for Crewe Lifestyle Centre, said: “Today sees the culmination of three and a half years of very hard work from teams both across the Council and externally to realise the ‘lifestyle’ concept.

“The tremendous range of facilities promotes health and wellbeing in Crewe to everyone, including some of our most vulnerable residents.

“The end result is a creative, innovative approach and its success is being reflected in the rising number of residents already accessing every one of these services.”