Hopes of a new swimming pool and leisure centre being built in Diss have been raised following improvements in Wymondham and Long Stratton.

Eastern Daily Press: The current Diss Leisure Centre and swimming pool stands on the site of the former outdoor lido on Victoria Road. Picture: Sonya DuncanThe current Diss Leisure Centre and swimming pool stands on the site of the former outdoor lido on Victoria Road. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: Archant)

Long Stratton Leisure Centre opened its doors to the public this week following a £2 million redevelopment that has seen it expanded and improved into a state-of-the-art facility.

South Norfolk Council has also recently invested £4 million in its Wymondham Leisure Centre and has also just opened a new 3G football facility at Kett's Park, following an investment of £1.2 million.

The prospect of a new leisure centre has now been raised with improving the town's leisure facilities said to be 'next on the list'.

Eastern Daily Press: The exterior finishing touches are being completed at Long Stratton Leisure Centre which has opened to the public after a £2m redevelopment. Picture: Simon ParkinThe exterior finishing touches are being completed at Long Stratton Leisure Centre which has opened to the public after a £2m redevelopment. Picture: Simon Parkin (Image: Archant)

Prospective Diss district councillor at the forthcoming local elections Graham Minshull said: 'We seen Wymondham refurbished, Long Stratton has now also been done, and Diss is next.

'We have problems there because of lack of space on the existing leisure centre site so we have got to look at a new location, but they are looking at it.

'It will be a case of looking for new suitable locations and also finding out what people actually want, because obviously we want the swimming pool, but do people want soft areas, do they want badminton areas, do they want squash courts? There is no point spending £100,000 on squash courts then finding out that actually no one plays squash anymore.

Eastern Daily Press: The revamped Long Stratton Lesiure Centre boasts state-of-the-art air conditioned gymfacilities and fitness suites. Picture: South Norfolk CouncilThe revamped Long Stratton Lesiure Centre boasts state-of-the-art air conditioned gymfacilities and fitness suites. Picture: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

'We have all that research work to do but it is looking good that Diss will be the next one in line for a new leisure centre. I would be very disappointed if we don't see it progressed because the town needs a leisure centre plain and simple.'

The new Long Stratton facility boast a new 80 station gym with state of the art equipment, air conditioned fitness suites, new changing facilities and showers, a soft play area and a café.

Cabinet member Yvonne Bendle said: 'This is a fantastic example of how South Norfolk Council is continuing to invest in the health and well-being of our residents. Long Stratton Leisure Centre will be a community hub, offering something for everyone and will be a great place for families and friends to spend time together.'

Eastern Daily Press: The revamped Long Stratton Lesiure Centre boasts state-of-the-art air conditioned gymfacilities and fitness suites. Picture: South Norfolk CouncilThe revamped Long Stratton Lesiure Centre boasts state-of-the-art air conditioned gymfacilities and fitness suites. Picture: South Norfolk Council (Image: Archant)

Diss Leisure Centre dates back to the old open air swimming lido that the district council took over in 1974 with a roof being added in the 1980s.

Mr Minshull said: 'The size of the site is so small and the pool is not ideal; it is small, old and inefficient. The new pool at Wymondham is modern and eco-friendly, using the minimum amount to keep the water heated.'

Diss Town Council leader Simon Olander said they had 'touched base' with South Norfolk Council about a new leisure centre.

He said: 'We have done some work on that and we would obviously like to some something along the lines of what has been developed in the other market towns in South Norfolk. We think that Diss deserves a decent leisure facility.'