THE new Harborne Pool and Fitness Centre has already attracted more than 1,000 new members since it opened its doors on January 3.

Manager Pete Wallage said interest in the £12million centre had already exceeded expectations.

The complex, in Lordswood Road, Harborne, includes a state-of-the-art gym, a 25m swimming pool and a smaller one for learners, plus a children’s fitness suite, dance studio and community meeting room.

Mr Wallage said: "We have so far got over 1,000 members and have been very heavily used for the pool and gym. We are still signing people up, too."

He added: "Word is getting round and we are getting massive interest. A lot of local people we have not seen before are coming in and we are exceeding expectations."

He said they hoped to launch a swim academy for children, starting on January 23.

The new centre created 60 jobs and, although owned by the council, it's the first in the city to be run by a private company, D.C. Leisure, which operates leisure centres for 31 other authorities.