Colchester Leisure World nostalgic pictures over the years

The structure was built in the early 1990s amid much excitement and anticipation with Colchester Council making a major investment into the facility.

It was, in its day, state-of-the-art with a leisure pool and flumes and a 25-metre pool for swimming club and individuals to train in.

Freezing - a swimmer braving the cold plunge back in 1992 (Image: Newsquest)

Happy - Fatima Whitbread, Martin Hunt, mayor Paul Spendlove and the Bishop of Colchester at the newly built Leisure World (Image: Newsquest)

During the same period, Charter Hall was also built with the flexibility to be a sports, theatre and events venue.

These pictures show the work getting underway to expand and improve leisure services in the town.

Work - the flumes under construction back in summer 1991 (Image: Newsquest)

Fun - the iconic flumes pictured at the end of 1991 (Image: Newsquest)

Slide - enjoying the flume at a Leisure World kids camp in 1997 (Image: Newsquest)

There are also images of the newly-opened centres which saw Olympian Fatima Whitbred come to town for the unveiling.

Aqua Springs was created later for customers during the 1990s.

Leisure World now also has other bases in Colchester and Tiptree offering sport facilities to thousands of people.

Welcome - entering the venue in 1998 (Image: Newsquest)

Warm - youngsters enjoying the jacuzzi in 1996 (Image: Newsquest)

During the measures to halt the coronavirus outbreak both Leisure World and Charter Hall were closed.

It saw shows and events cancelled or postponed until further notice.

The popular venue survived the pandemic and continues to thrive today.