A LEISURE centre that was threatened with closure will now remain open for the ‘foreseeable future’ thanks to a £100,000 revamp.

Didcot Wave in Newlands Avenue was earmarked for closure in 2013 and was to be replaced by a new £15m leisure centre in the town.

But those plans did not materialise and South Oxfordshire District Council has now decided to invest in maintenance and improvement works at Didcot Wave, which features a swimming pool with a wave machine and a 50-station gym.

But officials said that this did not mean plans to build a new leisure centre were being shelved completely.

Councillor Lynn Lloyd, cabinet member for leisure at the district council, said: "We remain committed to providing a new leisure centre in Didcot and ensuring that we provide suitable sport and leisure facilities that meets the growing demands.

"We are investing £100,000 in Didcot Wave to ensure the centre can be used for the foreseeable future.

"We are yet to determine our long-term aspirations for this site and will not make any decisions until we are closer to securing a new leisure facility for Didcot.”

The money will be spent on improving the poolside shower area at Didcot Wave, along with the changing area and changing cubicles – where new benches will be installed.

Parts of the swimming pool air handling unit will be upgraded and the lighting in the pool hall will be improved.

Repairs to the roof of the building will also ensure that rain water will flow better, reducing the risk of leaks and flooding.

Ms Lloyd said: "The timescale for the work at Didcot Wave will be confirmed in the coming months, along with any information about how customers may be affected.

"However, our aim is to keep any disruption to a minimum level."

Mayor of Didcot Jackie Billington, who uses the Wave regularly, said that she was pleased to see it given a reprieve.

She said: "I think it would be a shame to shut the Wave. It could certainly do with a revamp in many areas so this is a welcome boost.

"I do not think you would just throw £100,000 at it, then knock it down so it looks like it will be staying for longer than expected – that can only be a good thing for Didcot.

The Mayor added she was still hopeful that a new leisure centre would be built 'at some stage.'

She said: "In this day and age, leisure centres are vital for our health and fitness but they are also family orientated places and they bring the community together so this investment is going in the right direction."