A new-look sports centre is being opened in north Oxford following a £3.4m refurbishment project.

Ferry Sports Centre, in Diamond Place, Summertown, which closed last September, will re-open on Monday, April 4.

Investment from Oxford City Council has provided the centre with a state-of-the-art gym, a new dance studio, refurbished sports hall, swimming pool and changing facilities.

Maureen Christian, the council's executive member for culture, said: "I'm delighted that Oxford's most popular sports centre is to open soon with a variety of top-of-the range equipment for Oxford residents."

The redevelopment was completed on time and on budget.

Visitors will be able to use the high specification Aspires Fitness facility, which has more than 50 pieces of hi-tech cardio and resistance equipment.

Mrs Christian added: "The gym has been designed to be used by people of all ages and abilities and will be fully supervised, with fitness instructors on hand to explain how to get the best out of the equipment."

The centre also has a brand new dance studio, which will host aerobics, dance classes and yoga sessions.

The centre's manager, Lee Buchan, said: "The studio has been fitted with a new sound system, fully sprung floor and high quality air conditioning.

"The swimming pool has also been refurbished with a new roof with skylights, a new pool filter system and has been redecorated and retiled.

"A new village-style changing area has also been designed to suit families and pupils on school visits."

Jean Fooks, the council member representing the city's North ward, said: "This is an excellent facility for the local community and we have all been looking forward to it re-opening.

"It's hoped that the centre will be a good new venue for the north area committee."

The squash courts and sports hall have been refurbished with new markings for five-a-side football, badminton, basketball and volleyball and a new air handling system has also been installed in the sports hall.

Residents can sign up for membership at the new sports centre, with offers available for different activities. More than 400,000 people are expected to pass through the centre this year.

The Ferry Community Centre, which is part of the same complex, has also been refurbished as part of the project.