CONSTRUCTION of Witham's new leisure centre can begin now a crucial land deal has been agreed between the district and county councils.
Work on the £9.5 million sports facility started on Tuesday and should take about 15 months, with a tentative opening date set for summer next year.
The site of the leisure centre is next to the current Bramston Sports Centre and will be on land currently occupied by parts of Maltings School.
A section 77 agreement was needed from the Secretary of State so that Essex County Council could sell the land to Braintree District Council.
A section 77 relates to the disposal of school land – any decision on granting such an order is dependent on it being in the school's interest to complete the deal.
Bill Rose, Witham Town Councillor for community, said: "It's a welcome addition to the town as the Bramston Sports Centre was very well used by hundreds of people.
"But this one will have much more up-to-date facilities and equipment that will be greatly appreciated by the community."
The new centre will include a 25-metre, six-lane pool and a separate 13-metre learner pool, as well as a large fitness suite, a steam room, sauna, two dance studios, squash courts and four outdoor tennis courts.
District councillor Chris Siddall, cabinet member for prosperity and growth, said: "I think it's a good investment – one of the key reasons being that it will actually cost less to run than the current Bramston centre.
"Cost effectiveness was one of the main objectives and it will be a much nicer facility with increased footfall for the area. As the school will be able to use the facilities, they will benefit as well."
The facilities will be more energy efficient and are expected to cost £300,000 less a year to run than the previous facility.
At a Leisure Partnership Board meeting in March it was agreed that Barr Construction would design and build the centre.
A "Meet The Constructors Day" was held to give local sub-contractors the opportunity to come forward and bid for contracts as part of the project.
