MORE than 45,000 extra visits were made to Irvine’s Magnum Leisure Centre in the last year.

According to the 2014/15 Progress Report issued by Magnum operators KA Leisure, 45,777 more visits were recorded than the previous year - a rise of 18 per cent.

In 2013/14 a total of 259,378 visits were made to the centre compared with 305,155 projected for 2014/15. The year dated 2015/16 begins in April.

Despite being set to close in 2016, the iconic centre has seen a resurgence in popularity amongst residents, many of whom are vehemently opposed to the plans for a new multi-million pound leisure centre in the middle of the town.

The introduction of a 3G indoor football pitch has also proven popular with visitors.

In December 2013, the Times told how the pitch’s introduction raised eyebrows with residents, baffled at the decision to invest in a centre that is facing closure. But it appears the move is paying off for KA Leisure with 10,000 attendances recorded since its introduction.

KA Campuses have also seen an increase in visitor numbers.

In the last year, the Kilwinning and St Matthew’s campuses have seen an increase of six and 27 per cent respectively.

However, the Greenwood campus saw a seven per cent decrease which KA have put down to the loss of synthetic football pitch bookings to competitors and reduced attendances at fitness classes.

As the Times went to press, North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet were due to discuss the report at their most meeting yesterday (Tuesday).

The report states: “In common with other facilities, customer visits to fitness activities have continued to grow at the Magnum Leisure Centre.

“The restructuring of the Learn to Swim programme and the refurbishment of changing rooms facilities have contributed to an increase in numbers recorded for swimming pool activities despite a significant reduction in the number of children participating in the free swimming initiative.

“The installation of the 3G Synthetic pitch has also contributed to an increase in indoor sports of 31 per cent and an increase in the number of local sports clubs using the facility.

“At the time of writing the company anticipates the new Irvine Leisure Centre which will replace the Magnum Leisure Centre will open late 2016.

“Visits to KA Campus Greenwood have failed to achieve target due to reduced attendances at fitness classes and the loss of synthetic football pitch bookings to competitors. However, an alternative programme of fitness has been developed and, new synthetic pitch bookings have been secured. It is anticipated that annual visits will be comparable to the previous financial year.”