WORK on a new multi-million pound leisure centre is now underway.

The facility, which will be located on the All Saints Academy site in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton. will include swimming pools, a health and fitness suite, gym and a library.

After a longer than anticipated wait for Secretary of State approval, contractor Willmott Dixon is now on site, starting work on the construction of the new All Saints Academy car park. This will then pave the way for the leisure centre to be built on the existing Academy car park.

The building is expected to open in 2020 and will be run by Tees Active.

Cllr Nigel Cooke, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “Having been held up by a frustrating delay in receiving Secretary of State consent to start work we’re delighted that Willmott Dixon is now on site and that work is underway.

“We can’t wait to see this project brought to life because we know how much the local community are looking forward to having these top-class leisure facilities and new library on their doorstep."