A SHORTFALL of more than £160,000 for improvements to Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre has been covered by New Forest District Council - and the work got underway this week.

The project, which is developing the gym and spin studio at the site on Parsonage Barn Lane, has undergone a number of changes to be compliant with planning permission and building regulations.

At July's New Forest District Council cabinet meeting, members supported the move to suspend financial regulations and allow the additional £162,300 to be spent on the development on top of £294,700 already in the council's budget.

The extra cost is largely down to the need to provide an additional, safe, evacuation route in the event of fire.

The report put before councillors stated timing is critical with the project, to minimise the loss of income and potential negative impact on the curriculum of Ringwood School, who are a major user of the facility.

Portfolio Holder for health and leisure, Cllr James Binns, advised members to support the recommendation to allocate the funds.

"Ringwood is in need of investment to increase the quality of the facilities to ensure that it is on par with our other existing centres."

Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre is one of five facilities managed by New Forest District Council - the others are in Applemore, Lymington, New Milton and Totton.

The works to improve the facility include an extension and redesign of the existing gym, with brand new state-of-the-art equipment.

It also includes provision of a purpose built 30-bike spin studio and reconfigured reception area to improve entrance and exit routes.

The current gym and free weights room closed at 6pm on Wednesday July 19, with the temporary relocated gym open in the sportshall from Friday July 21.

On the same day, the existing spin studio closes, with a temporary studio opening in the SnackSite area.

The centre hope to maintain their normal spin class programme during the refurbishment, as well as running additional 30 minute sessions.

Building work begins on Monday July 24, with a provisional re-opening of the renovated facilities on Tuesday October 3.