Significant progress is being made on Ely’s Leisure Centre development, says East Cambridgeshire District Council.

With archaeology work set to begin on the cinema development outside Ely this month, progress is also being made on the Leisure Centre development.

Construction group Mace is to help the Council specifically with the contractor and operator tender process as well as work with the architects during the detail design and planning process.

At next week’s Commercial Services Committee, Councillors will hear the latest on the facility mix including how discussions with Sport England and the Amateur Swimming Association are progressing, and how 40 spectator seats have been suggested to be included in the design and a moveable floor.

The final decision on the funding of the new centre is due to be made at the Full Council meeting in April next year.

Councillor Richard Hobbs, Chairman of Commercial Services Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Over the last few months, we have made real progress with the Leisure Centre development. We have appointed Mace Group who has impressive credentials in assisting local authorities to deliver projects on time and to budget. Their insight and knowledge has already proved invaluable in recent weeks and will ultimately help the authority to save significant sums of money through their expertise.

“This project will continue to gather pace in the winter months as the detailed design process concludes with a planning application being submitted. This will include the final facility mix to meet the requirements of the national sporting bodies and some of the expectations of the wider community.

Richard Smith from Mace, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to assist the council in delivering this new leisure centre. This new facility will enhance the wider development on the site and provide exciting leisure facilities to the local people of Ely.”

The new facility which will form part of the leisure village on the A10 near Ely aims to meet most of the demand for leisure facilities in East Cambridgeshire for the next 25 years.

Once the leisure centre is complete it is to include an eight lane 25 metre pool, health and fitness suite, activity studios, a sports hall and a full size artificial grass pitch.

For more information please call 01353 665555 or visit: www.eastcambs.gov.uk.