PURBECK Sports Centre is set for a dramatic £700,000 facelift after plans for wide-ranging improvements were approved.

The centrepiece of the popular centre's upgrade will be an enlarged fitness suite featuring the latest weights and cardiovascular equipment.

A new exercise studio will be built in place of two of the existing squash courts, with a mezzanine floor installed creating a soft children's play area with improved facilities for youngsters.

Solar panels are also to be installed as a green measure aimed at offsetting the increased electricity consumption of the enlarged facility.

Cllr Mike Pratt, sports and recreation adviser for Purbeck District Council, said: "These exciting and ambitious plans will transform the centre into a leisure and fitness venue to rival any privately owned gym.

"The centre has continually strived to commit 100 per cent when improving its facilities over the years.

"This has been illustrated by the installation of the latest in astro-turf technology, up-to-date tennis facilities and an indoor heated swimming pool."

Work on the improvements will begin in April 2008, with completion date in September anticipated.

The plans will involve the centre's gym being extended into the existing activity room, giving it a floor space more than three times its current size.

Dedicated changing facilities will also be available for the new suite.

The centre says the work will be done in phases to try and minimise disruption and enable most of their activities to continue unaffected.

The dual-use centre, which is linked to Purbeck School, is jointly funded by Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council.

Purbeck District Council say the investment for the project will be paid for by the extra revenue the new facilities are expected to generate over six years.

Cllr John Hyde, environment spokesman for Purbeck District Council, said the installation of solar panels was part of the their ongoing commitment to the Nottingham Declaration on climate change.