Spending £2 million on upgrading Maldon district's leisure centres is a good use of the money, according to councillors.
The refurbishment of Blackwater Leisure Centre and the Dengie Hundred Sports Club will be completed by June, the community services committee heard.
Chairman Mark Durham said: "This is something we should be very proud of.
"It sends a message we are prepared to invest in things that are used."
Councillor Ron Pratt, mayor of Burnham, added: "Burnham is now a gemstone, I think this is a job well done."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here