WORK is under way on £1.2m of improvements at Beverley Leisure Complex.

The work on the new Tone Zone health and fitness facility started yesterday (Wed Aug 27) and it will be double the size of the existing gym – with around 90 stations. It will offer a wide range of hi-tech resistance and cardiovascular equipment, as well as a purpose-built spin room.

The new facility will be at the back of the leisure complex, and the existing gym will be converted into a dance studio. The project is expected to take about eight months to complete.

Cllr Stephen Parnaby, leader of East Riding Council, said: “I am delighted that we are able to launch this latest investment in leisure and health across the East Riding, following our recent significant investments in Haltemprice and Bridlington.

“There is no doubt that this new Tone Zone will be an invaluable improvement to what is already a hugely popular facility in Beverley.

“This council will continue to invest in leisure and health facilities which are of direct benefit to our residents, and our prudent financial management over a period of many years allows us to maintain this investment programme. Investment like this today is in reality a saving for taxpayers tomorrow – we are encouraging people to be active and so improve their health and wellbeing, which in turn will mean less demand on the region’s health services in the future.

“We are aiming high with this new facility, and want to see one million visits a year to the complex when this work is completed.”

The new Tone Zone will boast the latest Matrix equipment with new features which will give users a choice of location to run or cycle through, from Hollywood streets to tracks around the Grand Canyon. Users will also be able to watch TV and listen to their MP3 player on the machines.

An East Riding Council spokesperson said : “We would like to reassure our customers that disruption during these building works will be kept to an absolute minimum, and that the Tone Zone fitness suite will not close at any stage.”

Classes such as pilates and yoga will still be held in the function room at the complex, and larger classes in the sports hall.