The Kier Group has been appointed as the contractor to carry out pre-construction work on a £21.6m leisure centre in Chelmsford, Essex.

The construction group will be working alongside design team Pick Everard and will focus on ensuring the project can be delivered on programme and within the agreed budget.

The centre will house a 25m x 10 lane swimming pool, along with two teaching and fun pools and a flume. In addition, there will be a 120-station gym, health and fitness studios, crèche and soft play, changing rooms and reception area.

Built on the site of the existing Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, construction work is planned to start in July, with the opening scheduled at the end of 2018. The existing leisure centre and ice rink will remain open throughout the construction, although there will be an impact on services.

 Ian Gifford, Kier operations director, said: “We have a strong track record delivering leisure complexes and we’re looking forward to working closely with Chelmsford City Council to provide this important development for the city.”

 A planning application for the new leisure complex has been submitted and will be considered by the council’s planning committee in March.

 The authority's cabinet member for leisure, councillor Julia Jeapes, said: “We have been impressed by Kier’s proven track record and extensive experience in the leisure sector and we look forward to establishing a strong working partnership with them, as well as with the other partner organisations involved in this major development for the city.”