Little Venice leisure centre opens

Visitors had the opportunity to take part in free taster sessions and try out a range of new activities including street dance, trampoling and cheerleading.

Billed as 'London's greenest sports centre' the building is equipped with a grass roof, recycled flooring, and sun pipes to carry light to the heart of the building.

The centre also boasts four badminton courts, a large sports hall with under floor heating, a multi-purpose dance studio and a 30-station fitness suite which is also suitable for people with disabilities.

The site, which replaces the Old Crompton Street Children's Sports Centre, will also feature a mini-satellite library with four computers open to the public and free wi-fi access.

Councillor Ed Argar, Westminster's cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "We are very proud to be opening this fantastic new sports centre in the heart of London which will provide residents, schools and businesses access to top of the range sports and leisure facilities.

"The new centre is set to become a major sporting hub in central London with a focus on training, educating and developing coaches, volunteers and staff.

"I'm sure it will also go a long way to enabling the local community to improve their fitness levels."

Westminster Council has partly funded the scheme, along with £1.6m from Sport England, Skills Active, Big Lottery Fund and the John Lyon's Charity.

All facilities are available from 9am to 10pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Westminster's schools will have priority over bookings.