Barr Limited, the Paisley-based construction company, has been appointed by Fife Council as the main building contractor for the £17m refurbishment of Carnegie Leisure Centre in Dunfermline.

Work at the facility, which will undergo an internal and external renovation as part of the revamp, will form part of the council's wider £50m scheme to improve leisure facilities in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes. Plans for the upgraded Carnegie Leisure Centre include two purpose-built aerobics studios, a new 90-station fitness suite, new changing and reception areas, a new spinning room and a new indoor play centre for children.

A new health village incorporating sauna, steam and spa services will also be established as part of the project, while the existing training pool will be replaced by a 25m, six-lane pool with an underwater, moveable floor. The centre's sports hall will also be upgraded. Brian Goodall, chair of Fife Council's housing and communities committee, said: "Barr Limited has a wealth of experience in this field and I am confident in their ability to assist in transforming this facility into a flagship leisure centre.

"In total, the Council are investing over £50m in leisure facilities in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes proving their commitment to deliver on one of their 'Big 8' priorities of improving sport, leisure and cultural opportunities in Fife." The council-owned facility, which is operated by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, closed in December in order to allow work to start on the refurbishment. Fife Council's Asset and Facilities Management Services is providing architectural services, while Turner Townsend Project Management are managing the scheme.

Carnegie Leisure Centre is scheduled to reopen in January 2011. Image: GG Graphics/Fife Council