CONSTRUCTION of a new swimming pool in Basildon is now set to start after councillors awarded a contract.

Basildon Council's cabinet has agreed to award a construction contract for the new facility Eversley Leisure Centre in Pitsea to Morgan Sindall Property Services, saying the decision allows the project to move on to the construction phase, subject to finalisation of the contract terms.

The swimming pool will be built as an extension tothe centre iand will be operated by Sports and Leisure Management Limited, which currently operates the existing centre. Facilities will include a four-lane 25-metre pool, dedicated changing facilities and an extension to the existing car park, providing 50 additional parking spaces for those using the centre.

Eversley leisure centre, owned by Basildon Council and managed by Everyone Active, currently has a 53 station health and fitness suite, workout and spin studios, is used as a base by South Essex Gymnastics Club and has a 3G football pitch. 

Cllr Craig Rimmer, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is an important milestone in the development of a new swimming pool for Pitsea – one which will give residents and pupils in Pitsea access to high quality facilities right on their doorstep. Residents have long asked us for a new pool in Pitsea and I am pleased that we can now look forward to construction.

"We consulted in detail to make sure this new pool will meet the needs of local people, and we have listened carefully to your responses. This new pool will provide a space for everyone to get active, learn new skills and enjoy their free time in a high quality, well-maintained facility."