Construction work has started on a new £12m health and wellbeing centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, which is set to open in late 2011.

Former Olympic athlete David Moorcroft helped mark the start of the building phase of the scheme, which will see the new centre located on the site of a former garage in Brunswick Street. Morgan Sindall has been appointed to deliver the facility, which will incorporate a 25m, eight-lane swimming pool, a learner pool, an 80-station fitness suite and a health suite.

Newcastle Borough Council leader Simon Tagg said: "It was a truly momentous occasion to see work begin on this major development, which will deliver improved sports facilities for everyone in the borough." Wenslie Naylon, cabinet member for culture and active communities, added: "We've now reached a landmark milestone and residents will begin to see the results of all the months of planning and discussions."