The centre will also benefit from an integrated café and library, enlarged changing rooms, new toilets, a purpose-built reception area and a meeting room.

Cllr George Reynolds, Cherwell’s deputy leader, said: “This exciting work follows on from our £1.3m upgrading of Woodgreen’s outdoor pool facilities back in 2009 and 2010.

“We are now bringing the dry side areas up to speed, providing 21st-century facilities to keep a growing body of patrons fit and healthy.

“Woodgreen is well known in the district for its popular outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, but new facilities such as gym, dancing and spinning will help it cater to a wider range of fitness fans.”

In May, Cherwell awarded the contract to carry out the improvements to Parkwood Leisure. Work is progressing on target for the gym suite to be open in September while the rest of the new facilities are scheduled to be in place by winter.

The ongoing works do not affect the outdoor pool, which opened for the summer season on 23 July. Other facilities at Woodgreen include a 6-link indoor bowls hall, a 40-station gym, and a group exercise studio; classes range from zumba to spinning and yoga.

Management has moved some of these activities to new locations within the building, meaning there is no disruption to existing services as a result of the ongoing improvements.