A POPULAR Southampton leisure centre saved from permanent closure by a pubic campaign re-opened its doors to the public today after essential repairs and maintenance.

New fitness equipment and a brand new sports hall floor have been installed in the historic Victorian building at St Mary's Leisure Centre, along with improved lighting, at a cost of £245,000.

The reopening of the 112-year-old centre - which is the only council-run sports facility in central Southampton - is being marked by a free "back to fitness" fun day on January 20.

The repair work and upgraded infrastructure, which saw the centre closed for more than two months, brings the building into line with legislation, removing the risk of it being closed down.

Facilities offered at St Mary's include squash, badminton, indoor football, a fitness suite, and the city's only climbing wall.

Following feedback from customers the refurbished fitness suite, which will have 24 new pieces of equipment, has been moved back upstairs, to a more suitable room.

Councillor Steve Sollitt, Southampton City Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said the centre provides an essential service to the local community.

"It's great to see that the required works have been carried out to this historic building, which has enabled it to continue to provide a diverse range of sporting activities," he said.

The improvements mark the culmination of a remarkable change of fortunes for the centre, which was destined for closure less than two years ago.

Only a last minute U-turn by councillors in February 2004 saved the centre from being permanently shut, which had been proposed in order to save £129,000 a year.

More than 1,800 people signed a petition and 300 marched on the Civic Centre, demanding the facilities be saved.