Building work on a new leisure centre in Slough, Berkshire, is set to begin after demolition of the old venue this week.

The multi-million pound leisure facility will replace the Centre, a conference venue, which was built in 1997.

The leisure centre will include a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, teaching pool with moveable floor, poolside sauna and steam room, four-court sports hall, 135-station gym, three exercise studios, café and treatment rooms.

The work is being carried out by Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), which is a joint partnership between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments.

Councillor Joginder Bal, the council's commissioner for leisure and environment, said: “The demolition of the old centre is a major step forward for the project to bring the latest and best leisure facilities to the borough.

“Our investment in leisure will bring a once in a lifetime change for residents – with brand new and refurbished facilities, new and traditional activities, new equipment and more; all to help more people get more active, more often.

“The new leisure centre will be one of our flagship facilities and I know the team is excited to get started.”

Andy Howell, SUR general manager, said: “The new leisure centre will be a destination of choice for residents and it will be very exciting seeing the plans come to fruition.”

The leisure centre is due to open in October 2018.

As well as the new project, refurbishment work will be carried out on the town's Langley Leisure Centre, the Salt Hill Park facility and Slough Ice Arena.