A problem with the installation of fire dampers at the new £25m Leisurezone leisure complex in Harlow, Essex, has forced the opening of the facility to be put on hold.

Forming part of the wider Harlow Gateway regeneration scheme, it had been hoped that Abingdon-based contractor Leadbitter would handover the venue to the Gateway partners by Christmas 2009. However, the latest estimate for the "practical completion" of the Leisurezone centre is now pencilled in for 26 February 2010 after recent site inspections carried out by consultants on behalf of the Gateway Partners uncovered the problem with the fire dampers.

Harlow Council's three group leaders, Andrew Johnson, Chris Millington and Mark Wilkinson, said: "We are very disappointed that this problem has arisen and at the delay that this will cause for the opening of the centre. "While we support the need to ensure that everything is installed properly to protect future users from any potential fire hazard, we have ensured that our disappointment has been registered with the builder of the centre."

When complete, the complex will feature a 25m swimming pool with seating for 300 spectators, a learner pool, a sports hall built to national club standard for badminton, basketball and trampolining and an indoor tennis hall. A gym, three fitness studios, four squash courts and a health spa will also be provided by the Leisurezone, as well as a lounge bar/restaurant, a daycare nursery and a café.

The Harlow Gateway Partnership, which is behind the development, is made up of Harlow Council, Harlow and District Sports Trust, English Partnerships and the Department for Communities and Local Government. Harlow Town Football Club, the East of England Development Agency, Mark Hall School, Harlow College and Science Alive are also supporting the £50m regeneration scheme.