Epping Leisure Centre work about to begin, council leader says

The complex will house a six-lane swimming pool as well as sports hall and a gym

Work on a new £33m leisure centre in Essex will begin next week, a district council leader has said.

Plans for the low-carbon Epping Leisure Centre were first approved by the district council in October 2021.

The complex, expected to open in 2025, will house a six-lane swimming pool, gym, fitness suite, two squash courts and a sports hall.

It will replace the existing Epping Sports Centre and forms part of a wider development project in the town.

Conservative Epping Forest District Council leader Chris Whitbread told BBC Essex: "The good news is we are on track."

Mr Whitbread said he expected residents would see "things coming out of the ground" from early next year.

Work can begin once the Bakers Lane car park closes on Tuesday, with its replacement 330-space multi-storey site now open in Cottis Lane.

Chris Whitbread said there had been "challenges" but he was also "hopeful"

The council leader said: "I think the majority of people are looking forward to it and to having a swimming pool in Epping, which residents have wanted since I was a child.

"Delivering a new sports centre up to date with a swimming pool and all the other facilities during these really difficult times - it makes me really proud."

A report handed to councillors in March estimated that the cost of the project had risen from £25m to £33.1m.

Rising prices for materials, equipment fees, statutory services and design development were blamed.

"There has been challenges but I am really hopeful this will be delivered without any surprises now," Mr Whitbread added.

"I think one of the key things is to stay ambitious in challenging times."