Team GB rowing star Sara Parfett will officially reopen a refurbished sports and leisure complex next week. (November 1).

Waterfront Leisure Centre at Gillingham Marina had announced it was closing permanently due to the financial strains of the pandemic.

But the popular health and fitness club has since been taken over by business couple Gary and Rita Beckwith.

About 400 members have already signed up with fees ranging from £49 to £69 per month.

After a four-month makeover, Ms Parfett, of Cliffe Woods near Rochester, will perform the honours.

The rower and former competitive swimmer made her debut with the GB team senior squad in 2017.

The complex includes a pool and gym with views over the River Medway, squash and badminton courts, a spin and dance room.

A full range of fitness classes are available and there is a bar and restaurant.

General manager Ashley Martin explained: "The centre is 20-years-old and has been closed for some time.

"So a lot of the work is mechanical and electrical, general maintenance." A "six-figure sum plus" was spent on the refurbishment.

He added: "The feedback has been phenomenal. We've had 100 inquiries in a week and that's without really advertising.

"The general feeling we are getting is that people want somewhere to relax and enjoy."

For details on joining, visit the centre's website. waterfrontleisure.co.uk

Waterfront, along with the adjoining marina, has been taken over by the Beckwiths who previously ran City Cruises, a sightseeing river excursion business on the Thames in London.

The 19-acre site, which has been in the hands of the Parham family for 30 years, was bought for an undisclosed sum.