£3.3m of taxpayers’ money is to be spent renovating Cheam Leisure Centre.

The project, which includes a new roof over the swimming pool, will begin in March and is set to be completed by December 2014.

Opposition Conservative councillors have criticised the decision and previously called for a new facility to be built instead.

The site is operated in partnership with Everyone Active, which manages all Sutton’s leisure centres.

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairperson of the environment and neighbourhood committee, said: “This modernisation programme is part of our commitment to improving leisure facilities in the borough.

“Cheam Leisure Centre is a hugely popular facility which has been at the heart of leisure services in Sutton for many years. This important work will ensure that local residents of all ages will continue to be able to keep fit and active at the centre for years to come.”

Everyone Active contract manager, Mark Basker, said: “We’ll do everything we can to minimise any disruption during these important improvements by keeping the majority of facilities open and offering customers free access to nearby Everyone Active centres.”

The swimming pool will close on March 17 and will reopen in December 2014. Customers can use the swimming pool at the Westcroft Leisure Centre in Carshalton during that period.

The vast majority of the Cheam centre will stay open throughout this period, including the gym, the group exercise studio, the activity hall and squash courts.

For more information, contact the centre on 020 8644 2891 or visit www.everyoneactive.com