Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) and Somerset County Council (SCC) have revealed that a contract for the construction of Bridgwater's new £6.3m swimming pool has been signed.

The agreement with BAM PPP, which was finalised on 13 October, now paves the way for a new venue at Trinity Sports and Leisure that will offer community swimming facilities.

A 25m, six-lane pool; a training pool; changing rooms; spectator seating; and an "increased" leisure facility capable of accommodating a 50-station fitness suite are proposed.

Scott Brownrigg Architects have designed the project, which also involves Somerset Leisure; Futures for Somerset; Chilton Trinity Technology College; and Bridgwater Education Trust.

SDC group manager for community development and wellbeing Teresa Harvey said: "The signing of the contract is a major milestone in the development of a new pool for the Bridgwater area.

"The pool will be a great community facility and we look forward to the build commencing in the coming weeks ready for opening in spring 2013."

SCC cabinet member David Huxtable added: "We have committed to help Sedgemoor District Council achieve its aim of guaranteeing local swimming for residents and this project will be a big boost for the town."