Winchester City Council (WCC) has chosen Willmott Dixon to build its £38m Sport and Leisure Centre at Bar End.

The centre will be at the heart of the new Sport and Leisure Park and will replace the ageing River Park Leisure Centre, which dates to the 1970s and is, according to the council, at the "end of its useful life".

Facilities at the new centre will include a 50m swimming pool; a health club with a 200-station gym floor, two large studios and an indoor cycling studio; and a day spa with a hydrotherapy suite and eight treatment rooms.

There will also be a separate teaching pool with movable floor, an eight-court sport hall and four squash courts.

Building work on the centre – designed by architects Stride Treglown – is expected to begin in early 2019 with completion due in early in 2021.

“This announcement shows real progress is being made to deliver the new sport and leisure centre," said Councillor Lisa Griffiths, WCC portfolio holder for health and wellbeing.

"In practical terms, it means Willmott Dixon and the architects can now shape the design and share their considerable experience of delivering these types of facilities.

“Appointing early allows us to hit the ground running once planning consent is granted and work can get started."

The deal is the latest successful bid for Willmott DIxon, which has delivered around £250m worth of leisure facilities across the UK in the past five years.

”This new facility will create an inspiring and inclusive physical environment, serving all residents," said Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the south.

"We're proud to be part of the team delivering a scheme that will have a long standing and lasting legacy on those who use it and the environment it sits within.”