Work starts on £25m plan for state-of-art sport facilities

The complex, on the site of Bridlington’s “tired-looking” Leisure World, demolished earlier this year, is intended to provide a new attraction for visitors from summer 2016 as well as “massively enhanced” facilities for locals.

East Riding Council has awarded the contract to BAM Construction Limited, who have built a number of leisure centres and swimming pools for other local authorities. Piling work is expected to start later this month.

Artist’s impressions have shown a stylish, curving front and a corridor with glass panels leading into the heart of the building, allowing visitors to see the sports on offer.

The plans include a 25m swimming pool, learner pool and leisure water with flume rides, a six-court sports hall and a first floor 70-station fitness suite with views looking out over Bridlington Bay.

An archaeological dig on the site revealed remains including three brick-lined wells which may have been associated with a 17th century fort which stood south of the site, or a house. The council says as well as saving on energy bills the modern building should attract more customers.

Council leader Steve Parnaby said: “This is a very exciting day for the people of Bridlington, and indeed for future visitors to the town.

“I am absolutely delighted that, after a very interesting and productive archaeological dig on the site over the summer, we are now able to start work on a project which will bring state-of-the-art leisure facilities to the town. I would like to thank Sport England and the Coastal Community Fund for their contributions to the funding of this scheme.

“The money that we as a council are able to invest in these new facilities is as a result of prudent financial management over many years, which will now produce tangible rewards for the people of Bridlington.”