An abandoned eyesore which has fallen into a state of disrepair over a number of years is finally getting a much-needed overhaul to breathe life into it once more.

The abandoned South Lake Leisure Centre is set to begin its transformation from derelict building into a refurbished education facility this year, four years after its closure.

The run-down former recreation centre will be revamped into a $6.16m asset for the next door Lakeland Senior High School, with construction expected to be complete by early 2022.

After lying disused since 2017, the now-ramshackle facility has become a shell of its former self, with management of the site handed to the Department of Education.

Department of Education executive director of infrastructure John Fischer said the upgrades would begin in the second half of 2021 and would provide a boost to Lakeland’s students.

“The old pool hall will be demolished, roof repairs will be undertaken and the former leisure centre building will be redeveloped to give Lakeland Senior High School staff and students modern new facilities,” he said.

“These facilities will include a dance studio, multi-purpose arts room and staff study area allowing students to learn in an inspiring new space.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said the money would also cover refurbishment of the school’s existing performing arts spaces and student toilets.

City of Cockburn director of governance and community services Don Green said the City had offered to demolish the derelict building when it had closed in 2017 and they were desperate to see it revitalised due to concerns over its amenity.

Mr Green said the council’s mobile security service CoSafe has recently dealt with three instances of anti-social behaviour and one instance of drunken behaviour at the site, and the City had poured considerable money into the adjacent Lakelands Reserve precinct, including the new hockey and sports facility.

“This development has significantly improved the anti-social behaviour issues which…