Barr construction will begin work on a new £9.5m leisure centre in Witham, Essex in spring 2013.

The building contract was awarded by Braintree District Council (BDC) who is funding the Witham Leisure Centre.

The centre, designed by Scott Brownrigg Architects, will replace the Bramston Sports Centre and is set to open in summer 2014.

Located adjacent Bramston Sports Centre, the new centre will include a six-lane swimming pool and a wet area with a sauna and steamroom.

Two treatment rooms will be on offer for beauty treatments and physiotherapy.

There will also be a 75-station fitness suite as well as two dance studios, two squash courts and four tennis courts.

Barclay Chalmers, managing director of Barr Construction said: "We are extremely proud to be playing such a significant role in delivering a first-class sporting facility which will be warmly welcomed by the local community in Witham as well as athletes from across the Essex area."

“We will be seeking to engage with local sub-contractors wherever possible and look forward to starting work on site in early 2013.”