SPENDING £3.7 million refurbishing a Devon sports centre has been an investment for the future, according to Teignbridge District Council.

As the first customers came through the door of the refurbished Broadmeadow Centre at Teignmouth, Cllr John Nutley (Lib Dem, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh) said it was a proud moment 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.

“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 centre now has a relocated main entrance to make it more accessible for all users, expanded fitness studios, a larger and better-equipped gym and a reconfigured sports hall.

But it has been the refurbished changing facilities, including a new village-style changing area designed to support families and carers, that has proved controversial.

A group of protesters from the Women’s Rights Network held up a banner saying “warning” at the opening, drawing attention to the changing areas.

They say there is not enough provision for people who want men-only and women-only changing rooms, and despite the village-style unisex changing area having large locking cubicles, there are still risks.

Protester Kathy Murch said not enough was being done to secure the women-only space. And, she added, she had concerns over the unisex areas.

“In the past, I wouldn’t have worried too much,” she said. “But now I would really worry about a camera coming under the doors. This is definitely a rising issue in women’s changing areas.”

Cllr Nutley, however, said the cubicle doors had been designed to be floor-to-ceiling to stop that happening.

He went on: “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.”

The project also marks a major milestone in the council’s decarbonisation strategy, said Cllr Nutley.

It is now fully electric, powered in part by rooftop solar panels. Heat recovery ventilation has been introduced for fresh air, LED lighting installed for bright, welcoming spaces, and room-by-room temperature controls to ensure comfort in every corner.

Gas boilers have been removed and replaced by efficient low carbon air source heat pumps. In addition, insulation has been added to walls and roofs to reduce heat loss, and double-glazed windows have been installed to preserve the views of the Teign Estuary.