Work on the £4m refurbishment of William Penn Leisure Centre in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, has been delayed due to a dispute between the client - Three Rivers District Council - and Gee Construction.

The aim of the project, which began in March 2007, is to expand and revamp aging facilities to cater for rising visitor numbers.

The improvements to the centre were expected to be completed by summer 2008, but the council now tentatively predicts them to be finished before November 2008.

Gee Construction is working with consultants Atkins, whose Design Solution team drew up the plans for the new facilities.

When complete, the centre will boast a new learner pool, a pool-side spectators area and changing facilities, a creche and two additional exercise studios. The 25m pool will be refurbished and will use ultraviolet water treatment to reduce the amount of chlorine used and thermal solar panels to pre-heat the water.

In addition, the foyer, reception and catering facilities will be redesigned and the fitness area expanded to accomodate more stations. The council says it will be looking to secure a supplier for the gym soon.

The centre has been partly open throughout the building work to date, with the dry side facilities open to the public.

The reasons for the delay will not be explained but the council, the design team and Gee construction will be meeting fortnightly to review the project's progress and to identify the problems.

The centre is managed by Hertsmere Leisure on behalf of Three Rivers District Council.