Places for People Leisure has begun construction work on a £9.5m (US$12.5m, €10.7m) leisure centre in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Building partners Pellikaan Construction and architects Pozzoni are also working on the project, which will have a green roof.

The building will also house an 80-station fitness suite, 25m six-lane pool with 15m learner pool, exercise and group cycling studio, a community room and café.

The centre forms part of the regeneration of Epping Forest district, which includes new council housing and health facilities, as well as refurbishment and extension of a museum, and the development of a shopping park.

John Bates, Places for People Leisure business development director, said: “Through our partnership with Epping Forest District Council, we're looking forward to capturing the imagination of the local community and encouraging more people to adopt a love of physical activity.”

As reported in Health Club Management in February, the operator was awarded a 20-year contract to design, build, operate and maintain the new facility by Epping Forest District Council.

Waltham Abbey Swimming Pool will remain open until the new centre opens in winter 2018.

Places for People partners 35 local authorities, running 118 leisure centres nationwide.