An official 'digging' ceremony has taken place to mark the start of construction work on a new leisure centre in Godalming, Surrey - next to the existing Broadwater park facility.

Preparatory work got underway on the £6m development earlier this month after Waverley Borough Council (WBC) approved planning permission. Designed by Pozzoni and to be built by ISG, the centre will be operated by DC Leisure and will incorporate a 25m swimming pool and a learner pool.

A 60-station fitness suite, a dance studio and an indoor sports area are also proposed as part of the development, which is earmarked for completion in autumn 2012. WBC mayor Richard Gates said: "We aim to have an excellent facility for residents, ready to open its doors in autumn 2012."

Roger Steel, councillor responsible for leisure, added: "The start of building today follows a great deal of work by the local councillors, sportspeople and others to help the council plan the new centre."