We have been talking about the new Huddersfield Leisure Centre for months.

And now the Huddersfield Examiner has been allowed access to take the plunge and test out the facilities at the Springwood site for ourselves.

I was the one set loose in the gym, climbing wall and on the splash pool slides– well used to the fact from previous ‘have a go’s’ that it would probably make me, yet again, the subject of some less than dignified but comic photos.

The fearsome looking half pipe-shaped blue slide, the Sidewinder, is the structure seen by everyone who has travelled past the centre on Castlegate since it was built.

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A top to bottom height of 7.5m may not sound that terrifying to the few who have not seen it, but when I was taken to the top and looked down, I was ready to head straight back down the stairs.

But knowing I had to see the job through, I timidly got myself into the ring I would use to plummet down.

There was a moment of calm while seated in the ring until the attendant launched me over the edge at full pelt.

I was rocketed up the other side and back, feeling very glad I’d not eaten my lunch beforehand.

Chloe in action

Of course, in true sadistic photographer fashion I was made to go back up and do it all again, only this time backwards, which was even more scary than the first.

The new gym area on the first floor is bigger than any other owned by Kirklees Active Leisure.

It is filled with over 100 devices which, if you are feeling very energetic, will ensure not one inch of body isn’t left un-stretched.

Amongst the exciting bits of new kit is a big cube structure called the OMNIA, which has eight pieces of equipment attached to it.

Soon I was having a go at ‘wood cutting’ and tackling the ‘battle ropes’, two ropes that I moved up and downwards to create a wave effect, which quickly turned my arm muscles into jelly.

Also new was the 33m sprint track, which woke me awake after racing against a gym instructor.

I definitely felt I could have done with an extra portion of Weetabix when I took on the challenge of pushing of a 60kg tyre down the track.

The climbing wall was one of the most impressive other rooms, with a wall that stretched 12.5m high around three walls.

Obviously not one for those afraid of heights but a great workout for those who saddle up and get scrambling.

A proud new centre with too many activities to list, it is definitely a much better fit for a community of 163,000 and proves that exercise can definitely mean fun.

Chloe prpearing to climb

Thousands of people have already tested out the new Huddersfield Sports Centre.

Kerri Burger, 18, was testing out the strength building battle ropes at the gym with her friend Hal Lockwood, 18.

She said: “We were members of the old sports centre and this is three times as big and a lot less cramped.

“There are now only one of certain machines which can make them quite busy but asides from that it’s a great place to work out.

Darren McKay, 40, of Golcar, was using the treadmills with his wife Karen, 41.

He said: “It’s our first time here and it’s exciting.

“I’m looking forward to testing out the pool.”

Meanwhile, Martin Sykes, 48, was using the centre to recover from tongue cancer, which he was only diagnosed with last year.

“I’m an ex-rugby player and had to undergo 35 rounds of radiotherapy and some chemo too, which took it out of me.

“I lost eight stone through it– the cancer changed my whole life– and now I’m trying to build my strength back up again so that I can go back to work.

“The staff here have been really supportive."

Family fun in the brand new splash pool