Work on a new £46.5m regional sports and leisure complex in Plymouth, Devon, could start next month if the appointment of Balfour Beatty as the main contractor is approved by Plymouth City Council (PCC).

A report due to go before the council's cabinet on 19 January has recommended that the London-based construction company from a shortlist of five to deliver the new Life Centre, which has been designed by Archial. The contract will also include the demolition of the Mayflower Centre and Central Park Leisure Pools once the Life Centre is completed, as well as the demolition of a skate park.

PCC cabinet member for finance and property, Ian Bowyer, said: "This is an important decision for the Council and a major award in our capital programme so we have taken time to consider all of the bids very carefully and ensure we select the right company." Council leader Vivien Pengelly added: "Plymouth has waited a long time for the dream of a top-class leisure facility to become a reality and in less than a month we should see work starting on site."

Facilities at the new Life Centre will include a family leisure pool with flumes, beach entry and a bubble pool, a climbing zone with a 15m (49.2ft) wall and aerial assault course, an eight-lane bowls centre and a 12-court multi-use sports hall. A 150-station fitness suite, a 10-lane, 50m swimming pool with moveable floors and submersible boom, a diving pool, a dryside training facility for elite divers, multi-purpose areas for dance and martial arts and a youth gym, also form part of the plans, as well as a sauna, a steamroom and changing facilities.

Funding for the project has been secured from a number of sources, including £2.5m from the University of Plymouth, while PCC will finance the majority of the cost through capital receipts gained from the sale of the council's assets. Work is scheduled for completion in September 2011.