Investing £3.7m renovating a Devon sports centre is an investment for the future, according to Teignbridge Council.
As the first customers entered the revamped Broadmeadow Centre in Teignmouth, Cllr John Nutley (Lib Dem, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh) described it as a moment of pride for the local authority.
"This not only delivers a vastly improved experience for our residents but also demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and climate action," he said.
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"By investing in low-carbon technologies and modern, inclusive facilities, we are ensuring that Broadmeadow continues to support the health and wellbeing of our community for many years to come."
The facility has a repositioned main entrance designed to enhance accessibility for all users, enlarged fitness studios, an expanded and better-equipped gym, and a redesigned sports hall.
However, it is the renovated changing facilities, featuring a new village-style changing area created to accommodate families and carers, that has sparked debate.
Demonstrators from the Women's Rights Network displayed a banner reading 'Warning' during the opening ceremony, highlighting concerns about the changing areas.
They argue there is insufficient provision for those seeking male-only and female-only changing rooms, and despite the village-style unisex changing area featuring large locking cubicles, potential risks remain.
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Protester Kathy Murch has voiced her dissatisfaction with the measures taken to ensure the security of the women-only space, expressing additional worries about the mixed-use areas.
"In the past, I wouldn't have worried too much," she remarked. "But now I would really worry about a camera coming under the doors. This is definitely a rising issue in women's changing areas."
Councillor Nutley responded by highlighting that the cubicle doors are designed to reach from floor to ceiling to prevent such concerns.
He continued: "I can understand their concerns, but we as a council have abided by the law.
"The changing areas are completely secure. I would like to think the protesters would come in now and see what we've actually achieved to support families and all user groups."
Cllr Nutley also noted the significance of the project in advancing the council's decarbonisation strategy.
The facility has transitioned to being fully electric, partially powered by solar panels on the roof. The introduction of heat recovery ventilation systems ensures fresh air circulation, while LED lighting creates bright and inviting spaces, and individual temperature controls maintain comfort throughout the building.
Gas boilers have been discarded in favour of efficient low carbon air source heat pumps, and the building has been enhanced with added insulation in walls and roofs to minimise heat loss, alongside double-glazed windows that maintain views of the Teign Estuary.