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Work starts on Dorchester leisure scheme
Oxfordshire-based developer The Leadbitter Group has commenced work on the construction of a new £8m leisure complex in Dorchester, Dorset.
Dorset County Council and West Dorset District Council (WDDC) are working in partnership on the scheme, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. Facilities at the Dyer-designed Dorchester Sports Centre will include a six-lane swimming pool with spectator gallery; a 60-station fitness suite; a dance studio; and a changing village.
The Thomas Hardye School is also involved with the development of the new complex, which will replace the existing Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre. Once the new Dorchester Sports Centre is opened, the swimming pool at the existing site is to be filled in and a new sports hall built in its place. This phase will be completed in 2013.
WDDC leader Robert Gould said: "We know that there is a real demand for high quality swimming and fitness facilities in Dorchester and this is an important step on the road to delivering what residents have asked for."