A new £15.5m leisure centre in Kirkby has moved a step closer after work on the site got under way.

Following the signing of a build contract with Kier, Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “This is a hugely momentous day for the future of Kirkby.

“The long-awaited state-of-the-art leisure centre will see huge benefits for all corners of our society, especially with its outstanding facility mix.

“As well as the economic and social benefits, the new destination will develop a high-quality and vibrant hub for our community.

“The plans will create a variety of opportunities for more inclusive programmes for all kinds of groups to be a part of.

“The people of Kirkby have been promised swimming pools for generations. I’m incredibly proud to see work finally begin.”

The council is working with Sport England to bring a range of new leisure activities to the site on Lindleys Lane, including swimming pools, a fitness suite, adventure play and a climbing wall.

There will be:
•Water space (25m pool with flexible floor and separate leisure water area)
•Sports hall (including cinema)
•85-station health and fitness gym with free weights area
•Two multi-activity studios
•Group cycling studio
•Wellbeing studio and sensory room
•Indoor adventure climbing wall and soft play
•Sauna and steam room
•Café

Theresa Hodgkinson, director of place and communities at the district council, said: “A huge amount of hard work has gone in to get the project to this point. I want to say a massive thank you to the whole project team as well as members and partners for getting us this far.

“This news comes just after the renewal of our leisure operating contract with Everyone Active, which will bring even more leisure improvements across the District.

“Multi-million pound plans for Hucknall Leisure Centre include an additional swimming pool, improved changing facilities and a new mezzanine floor to extend the fitness suite.

“We aim to secure a district-wide network of quality, affordable, accessible and sustainable Leisure Centres and services for the benefit of all residents of Ashfield.”