The centre, built with a link to the Harry Smith Complex, opened its doors to the public on Monday.

And as you can see from the pictures, by Gazette photographer Lindsay Addison, it appears to have been money well spent.

The Gazette was given a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facility by recreational officer Ian White.

It boasts a bright reception area, complete with a Starbucks Coffee cafe, six lane 25 metre swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym with 32 machines in all, including a new Powerplate facility, a dance studio,
personal care room for those with mobility issues and a hydrotherapy pool, complete with a floating floor.

Recreational officer Ian White explained: "The beauty of the new
building is that we have been able to help those with severe mobility issues.

"We started all over again, enabling us to make a big difference to those people who need it the most."

The Gazette was suitably impressed with the centre and Ian believes that Lanarkians who visit will see that they now have a facility they can be truly proud of.

He added: "The new centre was something that the community here in Lanark did need.

"The old pool was almost 50 years old and it was a looking a bit tired. The new Lifestyles Centre truly has something for everyone."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.