WORCESTER'S newest sports centre is on target to be officially opened in just over three months' time.

The grand opening date for St John's new sports centre in Malvern Road has been set for Monday, August 4, just nine months after construction work began.

Worcester City Council said the new centre would feature an ultra-modern fitness suite split over two levels, a dance studio with sprung wooden floors and two floodlit all-weather five-a-side football pitches.

St John's' existing sports centre is expected to close around a week earlier, before being demolished to make way for the new Sainsbury's superstore.

Alan New, the council's recreation business manager, said: "This is fantastic news for the city.

"It gives residents the chance to use the latest fitness equipment in a comfortable and stylish environment, and at very affordable prices.

"I would really encourage people to come to the open weekend we're planning for August 2 and 3 to have a look round and discuss their fitness needs with our staff - I know they'll be impressed."

The centre has a car park as well as extra evening and weekend parking at the nearby Christopher Whitehead Language College.

The new building will occupy a similar space to the existing centre but will be one floor taller, creating space for more facilities.