Construction work on a new leisure centre planned for Waddon near Croydon, south London, is to begin next spring.

According to the Croydon Guardian, the centre will feature a six-lane swimming pool, two dance studios, a sports hall and a gym. The plans were first mooted four years ago, and the project was to be integrated into two new blocks of flats, but became stuck when Croydon Council’s housing partner dropped out.

The council will now build the centre as part of its wider regeneration scheme named the Urban Regeneration Vehicle (URV), which is a joint venture with private sector partners John Laing, the development firm.

Subject to planning permission, the centre is expected to open in 2011.