The design-and-build contract is being carried out with AHR Architects for Eastleigh Borough Council.

It will be built next to the existing leisure facility that will remain open during the 85-week build programme. The old leisure centre will be demolished after the new building is handed over.

The new centre will include a sports hall with room for 15 badminton courts; an eight-lane, 25 m swimming pool; a learning pool with adjustable floor depth; three multi-purpose studios; and other leisure facilities.

The building will be constructed with a steel frame and pre-stressed concrete floors, while the pool will be made with reinforced concrete. Externally it will be clad in brickwork, aluminium and zinc rainscreen.

Eastleigh Borough Council leader Keith House said: “Interserve has shown a great understanding of the project and brings with it a depth of experience in building leisure centres.

“Interserve has a very good knowledge of, and relationship with, the local supply chain and is keen to work with us to ensure the new building achieves economic benefits locally. Interserve also wishes to work with us on recycling the old centre and believes it could recycle around 95 per cent of it.”