Image: HNW Architects designed the new centre

The Leadbitter Group has started work on a new leisure and community centre in Midhurst after being named as Chichester District Council's (CDC) preferred contractor.

Midhurst Community and Leisure Centre and Library Development is being fronted by the local authority, with funding from West Sussex County Council and The Monument Trust.

Due for completion in 2014, the new HNW Architects-designed centre will house a fitness room; a multi-purpose sports hall meeting Sport England standards; and two squash courts.

A dance studio; a community room; male and female changing areas; a library; and a health suite, which may include a sauna, a steamroom and treatment rooms, are also planned.

The centre will replace the town's Grange Centre, which requires reconstruction or major repair work and is not currently fully accessible to users with disabilities.

CDC cabinet member for leisure, wellbeing and community services Eileen Lintill said: "We're making a start on the ground works and over the coming months everyone will be able to see the building start to take shape.

"These are really exciting times for Midhurst, Petworth and the surrounding villages and we're excited to be creating a first class facility, for everyone to enjoy."

Click here for more information about Midhurst Community and Leisure Centre and Library Development.