WORK is under way to expand Haddington’s sports centre.

Plans were revealed last year to increase the gym facilities at the Aubigny Sports Centre.

Trees were felled – after an inspection was carried out to ensure there were no bird nests – outside the sports centre on the town’s Mill Wynd earlier this week in preparation for the work to begin.

The sports centre, which opened in 1974 as Haddington Swimming Pool, is managed by Enjoy Leisure.

Bill Axon, chief executive of the group, which has sports centres across the county, confirmed work was now under way on the extension.

East Lothian Courier: Work is now under way to extend the Aubigny Sports Centre in HaddingtonWork is now under way to extend the Aubigny Sports Centre in Haddington

He said: “The team at Enjoy Leisure is very excited about the extension at our Aubigny Sports Centre which will provide a new gym area and updated equipment.

“Groundwork began last week in preparation for construction.

“We are confident the new facilities will encourage more of the East Lothian community to discover the physical, mental, and social benefits of movement and sporting activity.

“We’ve carefully planned to minimise disruption for our members and customers throughout the construction period, with any closures being kept to a minimum.

“When the work is concluded the newly enhanced facilities will open up many more opportunities for old and new customers to become more physically active and have an enjoyable and healthy experience.”

READ MORE: Haddington: Plans revealed to extend Aubigny Sports Centre gym

When the proposals were revealed, East Lothian Council gave an indication of what was planned for the extension, which will be added to the north of the existing building.

A spokesperson for the local authority noted that the Aubigny Sports Centre only had “a small gym” as well as other facilities.

They said: “The proposed extension would provide a brand new gym area for the Aubigny, featuring Pulse Fitness equipment, including a large free weights area with half racks, cable pulleys, an adjustable Olympic bench, multi-functional plate-loaded machine, dumbbells up to 50kg and benches.

“A functional training space housing a training rig, powerbags, kettlebells, suspension training equipment, sledge and high-intensity training machines to meet this growing demand within the fitness market will also be created.

“More traditional cardiovascular equipment will be maintained, including new stepmills and fixed resistance machines to cater for all the community.”

More than a dozen new trees are to be planted on the site surrounding the sports centre.

A new path and bike shelters will also be created on the site.

Enjoy Leisure were unable to give an indication of when the work would be complete.