DC Leisure and Gosport Borough Council (GBC) have confirmed that work is due to begin on Hampshire's new Gosport Sports Park next month following months of negotiations.

At the heart of the mixed-use scheme will be a £7.2m leisure centre managed by DC Leisure on behalf of the local authority, which will replace the ageing Holbrook Recreation Centre.

Facilities will include a 70-station gym; a 25m swimming pool and smaller learner pool; and eight five-a-side football pitches, as well as a sports hall and a dance studio.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the development and is set to start on-site on 20 February. Holbrook Recreation Centre will remain open until the new venue is complete.

A second phase of the scheme will then see Holbrook Recreation Centre make way for a 60-bedroom Premier Inn-branded hotel with pub/restaurant developed by Marston's.

DC Leisure development director Peter Kirkham said: "We are extremely pleased that Gosport Borough Council selected us to partner with them to design, develop and operate the new facilities.

"The new park will not only provide great leisure centre facilities but also a wide range of affordable activities for the residents of the borough."

GBC leader Mark Hook added: "DC Leisure offered the most economic and affordable proposal, delivering best value for money for the council, and we look forward to working with them in a long term partnership."

Details: www.gosport.gov.uk