Norwich's Sportspark has announced a £1.3m facelift for its fitness centre.

The plans, which have received approval from Sport England, will see the existing fitness centre at the University of East Anglia-based Sportspark substantially expanded and kitted out with top-of-the-range new Life Fitness equipment.

As well as boosting the existing 85 fitness stations to 125 stations, the new equipment will allow the introduction of new activities including group cycling, personal training and nutrition and weight management programmes.

The work will create a unique new 'functional training' studio, including new equipment and training programmes available to all users.

Bosses at the Sportspark say both the wet and dry changing facilities will be given a revamp, with new showers and cubicles.

Sportspark users and interested members of the public will be offered a sneak preview of the plans at an open evening, to be held this Thursday.

Phil Steele, director of sport, said: 'We are excited to be able to carry out our extensive plans to further improve the Sportspark for all visitors.

'We already offer facilities which are the envy of other sports centres around the country, and we wanted to ensure that the fitness centre matches and even surpasses these high standards.

'Not only will the additional space and equipment allow more people to use the fitness centre at busy times, but it will create new roles for existing and potential new staff when proposed new programmes are up and running. And the other refurbishment work will improve visitors' overall experience.'

Work is likely to begin later this week, with a view to being completed by early January.

Thursday's open evening will be held in the Town Close Room - on the first floor overlooking the swimming pool. The plans will on display and staff will be on hand to answer any questions.