A state-of-the-art climbing wall and splash pad have been installed at the new Kirkby Leisure Centre as it nears completion.

The Clip ‘n Climb wall, the only one in Nottinghamshire outside Nottingham city centre, stretches the full height of the leisure centre and provides a unique climbing experience. Climbers are clipped into the wall with a harness and are then able to tackle the different climbing zones. It is suitable for both adults and children.

The splash pad is a family-friendly wet play area featuring fun aquatic play equipment, such as tippers and splashers.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “It’s incredible to be able to see the final finishing touches go into Kirkby’s new leisure centre. The new equipment including the clip ‘n climb wall and splash pad will provide something new and exciting for our residents. We are providing the best possible facilities for our residents to use, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone through the doors.”

Kirkby Leisure Centre will encompass a 25m pool with flexible floor and separate leisure pool, a sports hall which can transform into a cinema, health and fitness suite with a full gym, two multi activity studios, group cycling studio and wellbeing toning and rehabilitation suite. The centre will eventually replace the Festival Hall, which will make way to create further parking.

Coun Rachel Madden, cabinet member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, added: “It’s fantastic to see the facility come to life in the shadow of the Festival Hall which has served the people of Ashfield since the 1950s.

“We have the same hopes and even greater expectations for the new facility, which will see huge benefits for all residents and create a vibrant hub for the community.”