WORK on Bromsgrove's new multimillion pound leisure centre has begun, but the town's residents remain unconvinced by the council's promise of a bigger, better facility.

Contractors moved on to the site on Monday, and have already started digging and setting up the operation. Heavy machinery is expected to be brought in on Monday, August 22.

The new centre 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.

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.”

Speaking after the ground-breaking ceremony on Monday, Cllr Whittaker said: "It's an exciting time - delivering a £13million leisure centre to the people Bromsgrove, it doesn't happen every day."

The new facility has been designed to increase participation and offer a wider range of services to residents, but many in Bromsgrove have continued to express concern over the lack of a sportshall at the new centre.

Bromsgrove resident Stacey Nokes wrote on Facebook: "How can it offer a whole range of services when a leisure centre doesn't have a sports hall? Badminton and others sports which run in the day will have to finish unless they find other halls. The council never listen and this will never change."

Another resident Kate Jewell has recently taken up badminton at the Dolphin centre, but worries she will have to pay to play once the centre is demolished. "When the current centre goes, so will I," she said.

But Bromsgrove District Council said the "ageing" Dolphin Centre has been experiencing significant annual losses. The new facility, it says, will be completely self-funding.

The development, which has been taken on by construction group Morgan Sindall, will be completed in four 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 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.