FOR nearly 30 years Leisure World and Charter Hall has served the people of Colchester.

The structure was built in the early 1990s amidst much excitement and anticipation with Colchester Council making a major investment into the facility.

It was, in its day, state-of-the-art with a leisure pool and flumes and a 25 metre pool for swimming club and individuals to train in.

During the same period Charter Hall was also built with the flexiblity to be a sports, theatre and events venue.

These pictures show the work getting underway to expand and improve leisure services in the town.

There are also images of the newly-opened centres which saw Olympian Fatima Whitbred come to town for the unveiling.

Aqua Springs was created later for customers during the 1990s.

Leisure World now also has other bases in Colchester and Tiptree offering sport facilities to thousands of people.

During the measures to halt the coronavirus outbreak both Leisure World and Charter Hall are closed.

It has seen shows and events cancelled or postponed until further notice.

Anyone who has purchased a ticket or place for any of the classes, events or shows at these venues will be offered a refund or the opportunity to attend any events or shows being rescheduled.

Membership charges for Leisure World have been frozen during this period.