Since its launch, the centre has also recorded a 74.5 per cent increase in health and fitness members, and 119 per cent increase in annual memberships, with demand for the gym and group exercise offering high.  

The new site, which is operated by Lex Leisure, combined the town’s existing leisure facilities into one to create Tarka Leisure Centre. Alongside the gym, the facility is home to two swimming pools, including a 25m eight-lane competition pool with moveable floor, outdoor 3G pitches, a large sports hall and a ski run.

A large indoor soft play, outdoor play area and cafe complete the multi-million pound leisure facility. The existing tennis centre was also upgraded as part of the new development. 

The opening of the new site marked almost 20 years’ partnership between the facility’s owners, North Devon Council and Parkwood Leisure. 

“Summer is typically a quieter time for gyms and leisure facilities, so it’s fantastic to have welcomed so many people through the doors over the past two months and see the rise in memberships; a clear indication of how well received the new facility has been in the local community,” said Glen Hall, managing director of Parkwood Leisure.