Matthew was accompanied by Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers at the official opening of the brand new and state-of-the-art Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre.

Constructed on a smaller footprint than the previous sports centre, the new building now offers more activities including three swimming pools (a Learner pool, Community pool (25m, six-lane), and a Competition pool (25m, eight-lane), a five pitch sports hall, a modern and well equipped gym, health improvement rooms and a cafe that can be used by non-centre customers.

The project was funded with £44.9million from Barnet Council for two brand new facilities, including £2m of National Lottery funding via the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund.

Matthew said ‘With public health receiving more consciousness, I am pleased that Barnet Council has invested in the health of its residents. Working in partnership with GLL will ensure that healthy activities will be affordable for everyone in a sporting activity that suits them.’

To find out more visit https://www.barnet.gov.uk/leisurecentredevelopment