Construction work on a new sports centre in Ealing, West London, which will replace the now demolished Northolt Swimarama, has begun.

The development, which is estimated to cost around £15m, forms part of the council's local strategy to help combat the nation's obesity crisis by improving sport facilities.

The new 5,500sq m centre, which is yet to be named, will feature an eight-lane, 25m swimming pool and 12m x 16m learner pool with moveable floor. There will also be an additional community hall and an extra library for the Northolt area, a 130-plus-station gym and a 150sq m dance studio for up to 30 people.

S&P Architects have designed the facility, in conjunction with engineers van zyl & de villiers, Furness Partnerships and quantity surveyors EP Stevens.

Councillor Phil Taylor, cabinet member for customer and community services, said: “This will be a spectacular centre and a much-needed replacement for Swimarama. Northolt Leisure Centre will offer so much more and I’m confident that the extensive range of facilities will attract many more people to come and make full use of it.”

Until the new rebuilt centre opens, the public will use the three other Ealing borough pools; Gurnell Leisure Centre, Acton Swimming Baths and Dormers Wells Leisure Centre.

The new centre is scheduled to be open by 2010.