The opening date for a long-awaited Nottinghamshire leisure centre has been revealed.
The new Kirkby Leisure Centre, which will replace the Festival Hall building, will open in early 2022, according to Councillor Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council.
Councillor Zadrozny, who represents the Larwood ward for the Ashfield Independents, said: "So many people told me it could never happen, but hard work and determination has paid off.
"For generations people have been promised a swimming pool in Kirkby. Today I visited the site to look at progress. The new £15.5million leisure centre is now underway with preliminary groundworks and excavations started."
Designs were approved by Ashfield District Council in June. The new facility, which is behind the Festival Hall, will include a swimming pool with an adjustable floor, a sports hall, an 85-station gym, soft play and 'clip and climb' climbing wall. There will also be a smaller swimming pool and a cafe.
Councillor Zadrozny added: "I couldn’t be more proud than to lead a council that finally listens to its residents and then delivers on its promises.
"Thanks to the team of Kirkby Councillors, Daniel Williamson, Andy Meakin, Warren Nuttall, Ciaran Brown, Dale Anthony Grounds who have fought hard to get this done, but a massive and special thanks to John Baird and Rachel Madden who had unwaveringly fought for decades to see this happen. Teamwork does truly make the dream work."
