WORCESTER’S new sports centre has been given permission to put on live gigs, screen films and serve alcohol.

There are, however, no plans for St John’s Leisure Centre to host such entertainment events.

The state-of-the-art site, due to open in Malvern Road, St John’s, Worcester, next month, applied to Worcester City Council for a premises licence last month.

It has now been granted but Alan New, recreation business manager at the council, said: “There are no plans to develop an entertainment diary. Our operational manager applied for a licence so we could continue holding events like our fund-raising dances which raise money for charities like Leukaemia Research.

“We’re not going to have gigs, mainly because of size and car parking, but we do want to have more weekend events like craft fairs.”

Sports centre users will still see changes. As well as a new dance studio, multi-gym and outdoor pitch, the centre was recently named an accredited centre for disabled users.

Earlier this month 70-year- old Yvonne Lloyd – who works as a volunteer for Shopmobility in the city centre – became the first disabled member.

Wheelchair bound Mrs Lloyd, who has rheumatoid arthritis, entered a prize draw and won a three-month membership.

“I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to use any of the equipment,” said Mrs Lloyd. “Knowing that the centre is fully accredited for users like me is wonderful news.”

The centre has signed up to the Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) – a national scheme that aims to make 1,000 centres disabled-user friendly in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Its fitness suite will incorporate special equipment and all staff are being given relevant training.

For information about the new centre, opening on Monday, September 8, call 01905 429900.