WORK on Grimsby's new £8.4-million leisure centre will begin this summer after the contract was awarded to an international construction and support services firm.
The Grimsby Telegraph can exclusively reveal the controversial new Cromwell Road facility will be built by Interserve Construction – which has pledged to complete the works in time for it to be open to the public by autumn 2015.
Projects it has previously been involved with range from the widening of Tolo Highway, Hong Kong to a new Research, Innovation, Learning and Development Centre for the NHS.
And now it will be leading the construction of the new centre, which will include a 25 metre, eight-lane swimming pool with learner pool, changing facilities, health and fitness suite with studio space and café.
NELC has also revealed more about the tender process for the deal, which was carried out in partnership with Cofely.
The move came after some questioned whether the quality and facilities at the new leisure centre would be scaled back in order to fit to the council's budget, due to the lengthy tender process.
However, NELC said this was not the case, adding it had produced a list of facilities and standards it would require from the winning contractor, before inviting firms to submit bids to carry out this work.
Councillor Mick Burnett, cabinet member for Leisure and Tourism, said he was delighted the contract for the building had been awarded and that work would soon be starting on the new facility.
"We know some people have been anxious about our proposals, but the fact is that this Council is one of the few in the country prepared to invest in new leisure facilities for our residents instead of just shoring up older centres, which just isn't sustainable in the long run.
"I'm confident what we will get is a fantastic facility for people of all ages, which I hope will also act as a focal point for community activities and also attract old and new visitors to North East Lincolnshire."
He added Interserve would be encouraged to use local contractors, to ensure local firms also benefited from the works.
He said: "We will also be having discussions with them about making the best use of the local labour force we have in the area, along with local training and supply chain opportunities to ensure residents and businesses also see the benefits during construction.''
John Gittins, divisional director of Interserve, added: "This isn't just another project for Interserve, it is a really exciting local leisure investment; the new centre in Cromwell Road will improve leisure provision and will also encourage participation.
"During the construction phase we will adopt a considerate approach as always to minimise disruption and keep all stakeholders updated in respect of project progress.
"We will also develop a bespoke plan to maximise local small and medium enterprise involvement and generate as many employment and training opportunities as possible to provide a real legacy for Grimsby and the surrounding area.
"There are now many leisure centres nationally that are expensive to operate and look tired – this new centre will be exemplary and efficient.
"We look forward to building a long term relationship with NELC."
Carl Roberts, partnership director for Cofely, added: "We are delighted a contractor has been appointed. We are now looking forward to starting work, working closely with the Council and Interserve Construction, to build a fantastic new facility that brings communities together and supports a healthier lifestyle for all".
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