Work is set to get underway on the construction of a new multi-million pound leisure complex in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, after Sport England handed the scheme a £750,000 funding boost.

Preparatory work is scheduled to start on 26 October at the site of the £21m Pods facility, which will include a 390sq m (4,198sq ft) fitness suite, a 25m swimming pool and a training pool, a dance studio and a six-court sports hall. A crèche and a café will also form part of the complex, which will be built by Bowmer and Kirkland and will complement North Lincolnshire Council's (NLC) plans to refurbish the adjacent Central Park. London-based architects Andrew Wright Associates designed the centre.

In addition to Sport England funding, the development of the Pods, which is scheduled to be completed in spring 2011, has received financial support from the Yorkshire Forward regional development agency. NLC cabinet member for sport, leisure and culture, Christine O'Sullivan, said: "The complex will provide very good sport and leisure opportunities for people of all abilities. It will also help us to tackle real health issues such as obesity and heart disease.

"The Pods will encourage more people to exercise and be healthy - a key component to the Government's health strategy and something we strive to achieve working together with our health partner."