Construction has officially begun on a new leisure centre in Nottinghamshire which will boast features including a swimming pool, gym, sports hall and cinema.
The new £15 million development, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, will also include two activity studios, a sensory room, indoor climbing, soft play and a sauna.
It comes as part of an investment scheme by Ashfield District Council to improve its leisure facilities across the district, with the authority working alongside Sport England to design the facilities.
Two separate consultations were held by the council to find out what facilities residents wanted from the new leisure centre, before planning permission was granted in the summer.
And now, contractors Kier have officially started construction on the facilities, which are expected to open in the coming years.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of the council, said: “Today 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."
Hoarding has also been erected around the construction site on Lindleys Lane, decorated with plans and artists' impressions of the development.
The hoarding also features endorsements from council officials and local Paralympic swimmer Ollie Hynd.
Theresa Hodgkinson, director of place and communities at the 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 weeks 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 and 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."
