AN opening date has been revealed for a multi-million-pound sports and leisure complex in the city.

Two swimming pools, along with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, will be part the £11 million David Lloyd Leisure Club development.

The long-awaited facility is now nearing completion at Sandy Park, next to the Exeter Chiefs' rugby ground — and an opening date has been set for December 13.

About 80 new jobs have been created through the new development.

It is the first club opening for the David Lloyd Leisure Group, which merged premium club chains David Lloyd Leisure and Next Generation.

Greg Fanning, the club's general manager, is now recruiting the rest of his team.

He said: "I am really excited about becoming part of the community here in Exeter.

"As well as introducing fantastic leisure facilities to the area, the club will also create more than 80 jobs, most of which will be filled by local people."

Of the £11 million invested in the development, £6.5 million went on the building and a further £1.5 million on fitting out the premium health, sport and leisure destination. The centre will include three indoor and five outdoor tennis courts.

There will also be indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, an air-conditioned fitness area and a dedicated area for children's activities.

The Tennis All Stars programme, accredited by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), will be available to children aged from three to 11.

Adults will also be offered instruction from LTA qualified coaches.

Outside there is a 20-metre heated swimming pool and inside, a 25-metre heated pool, which will offer a range of activities including aqua aerobics, family swim times and quiet adult swim sessions.

A key feature in the club will be the 12,900sq ft gymnasium which will house the very latest fitness equipment.

Mr Fanning, who has moved with his family to Exton, said: "We are recruiting for a number of roles and anybody interested in applying should visit the careers page on the David Lloyd Leisure website.

"The team will mainly consist of local people. We are currently holding assessment days in Exeter and hope to find enough talent to fill the club."

Visit www.DavidLloyd.co.uk to apply for a vacancy.