A special event has taken place in Leeds to mark the start of construction work on the city's new GBP27m Holt Park Active leisure, wellbeing and adult social care complex.

The government confirmed final approval for the project last December, with the work being funded through a Private Finance Initiative. The centre is due to open in December 2013.

Mentor, a partnership comprising FaulknerBrowns Architects and GHM Rock Townsend, designed the scheme, which is being delivered through the Local Education Partnership.

Facilities will include a 25m swimming pool; a Bodyline fitness suite; a hydrotherapy pool; a large activity hall; and hubs for older people and individuals with learning difficulties.

A studio, a cafe and meeting areas will also form part of the new Holt Park Active, which is to provide a new community hub for the area. Interserve Project Services is the contractor.

Leeds City Council executive board member with responsibility for sport and leisure Adam Ogilvie said: "It will be a real 'one-stop shop' for people of all ages to access a wide variety of council services plus state-of-the-art leisure facilities."

Lucinda Yeadon, the council's executive board member with responsibility for adult health and social care added: "Holt Park Active will enable people to easily access social care and community facilities within their local area."

Details: www.leeds.gov.uk