WORK on Bromsgrove's new multimillion pound leisure centre is set to start on Monday.

The new facility will be built next to the existing Dolphin Centre on School Drive, which will remain open until the new one opens at the end of 2017.

The centre will feature two swimming pools, including one with disability access, Bromsgrove's first indoor climbing wall, three fitness studios and a 100-station gym.

Cllr Pete Whittaker, whose portfolio covers leisure, said: "We’re delighted to take our latest step towards a better Bromsgrove, and to improved leisure opportunities for residents across the district.”

Bromsgrove District Council say the development, which has been taken on by construction group Morgan Sindall, will be completed in four distinct phases.

A spokesperson for the council said: "First the new centre will be built and opened to the public. Then the old centre will be demolished, and then the new centre’s surrounding areas and car parking will be finished which will complete Morgan Sindall’s work. Finally the current car park will be closed and made available for redevelopment."

The new facility has been designed to increase participation and offer a wider range of services to residents.

However, many in Bromsgrove have expressed concerns over the fact that the new centre will no longer offer a sportshall.

But Bromsgrove District Council say that the new facility will be self-funding, in contrast to the "ageing" Dolphin Centre, which is apparently experiencing significant annual losses.