A multi-million pound refurbishment and expansion of the Grafham Water Centre in Perry has been completed ahead of schedule. Construction company Kier returned to the centre 45 years after creating what was then the largest man-made reservoir in England T

A multi-million pound refurbishment and expansion of the Grafham Water Centre in Perry has been completed ahead of schedule.

Construction company Kier returned to the centre 45 years after creating what was then the largest man-made reservoir in England

The �2.5million refurbishment has included new residential accommodation for children on activity trips, increasing the number of beds from 68 to 120, and an increase in staff.

There has also been an extensive remodelling of the existing buildings to provide conference and seminar facilities, a new dining room, new reception area, extra car parking and new changing areas.

A new boat store has also been provided to house boats and equipment, and the centre has improved its access for disabled visitors.

The development programme was funded with a loan from Cambridgeshire County Council and a grant of �500,000 from Cambridgeshire Horizons.

It was the final stage of work to improve the centre, after �1.2million was spent two years ago on a new indoor adventure hall with a climbing wall and archery range.

Cllr John Reynolds, CCC's cabinet member for resources and performance, said: "The new and improved facilities at Grafham Water Centre are excellent.

"They will greatly enhance the invaluable service which the centre is able to offer visitors."

The centre provides land and water based activities for children and is home to Sailability, a charity run by disabled sailors with the aim of enabling people with disabilities to enjoy sailing.

Piers Hampson, the centre's marketing co-ordinator, said the public response to the new-look centre had been encouraging.

INFORMATION: To find out more, visit www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk