Work on finalising plans for a new leisure centre in Rochdale town centre is underway.

The new £10.8 million centre will include swimming pools, a sports hall and a large fitness gym along with a youth gym and dance studios. It will replace a 1930s original 'municipal baths' and fitness centre conversion.

Craig McAteer, Managing Director of Link4Life confirmed that the Rochdale centre is the final major project in a three-year programme of investment that brings modern, high quality facilities to the borough under the management of Link4Life, the Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust.

"With the launch of the trust, £34 million was committed by Rochdale Borough Council for capital projects with Link4Life making a significant contribution to this from planned efficiency savings. From an original like for like replacement the project has now been enhanced to include a full dryside facility."

Projects already completed in the borough include the two new build projects for Middleton Arena and Heywood Sports Village, both now open, and the extension/refurbishment of three other sports centres including the water activity centre at Hollingworth Lake.

Contractor for the Rochdale design and build project is Willmott Dixon Construction. Work is anticipated to start on site in November and the centre is scheduled to open in 2012.