The £6m refurbishment of the former Gillingham Leisure Centre in Gillingham, Dorset, has begun.

The facility, a joint venture between North Dorset District Council and Three Rivers Partnership, has been designed by Shaftesbury-based architects Philip Proctor Associates. Once completed, the centre will be called RiversMeet Centre and be operated by a dedicated not-for-profit organisation set up by the Three Rivers Partnership. Being built by A Hammond and Sons, the centre will feature a new 25m swimming pool and a fitness suite, a refurbished entrance with a café and an extended sports hall and community workspaces.

The council, which originally operated the Gillingham Leisure Centre, Gillingham Town Council and parish council have all invested funds into the project. The centre is scheduled to reopen on 31 March 2010.