The centre has been subject to a £9million make-over to bring it up to date following a partnership agreement between Amber Valley Borough Council and DC Leisure, which manages the centre.

There are state of the art facilities including a brand new gym, a six-court sports hall, new squash courts, a workout area and a sauna, as well as new changing rooms and a licenced bar. A new 25-metre six-lane swimming pool will be completed in the autumn.

Esther Horsley, spokeswoman for the leisure centre, said: "The new facilities are absolutely fantastic.

"We're looking forward to welcoming all customers, old and new, to come down and enjoy the new services. There's loads of new classes and things all started on Monday."

Cllr John Nelson, Amber Valley Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure development, said he thought the facilties were the best in the borough.

He said: "The people of Alfreton have been watching this impressive building take shape for the past few months, and now they will have the opportunity to see first-hand the fantastic facilities it has to offer.

"The building of the new leisure centre represents a major investment in the health and wellbeing of everyone in the borough, and we hope lots of people will be encouraged to come along and take part in the many sporting and leisure facilities available."

Members of the new centre will also be entitled to use the facilites at Ripley Leisure Centre and William Gregg VC Leisure Centre in Heanor as part of the membership package.