St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) has confirmed that Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the new £24.7m Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre.

Michael McNamara & Co was revealed as the preferred contractor for the S&P Architects-designed scheme last year but went into receivership before contracts were signed SACDC has now confirmed that it has signed a construction contract with Willmott Dixon to move forward with the demolition and redevelopment of the Westminster Lodge complex.

Willmott Dixon has been selected following a tender process and an assessment undertaken by consultants Drivers Jonas Deloitte. Preparation work has already commenced on site, with construction work on the new-build element due to start this month. The new venue is slated to open in summer 2012.

Facilities at the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre will include a 500sq m (5,382sq ft) spa area with a 60sq m (646sq ft) terrace overlooking the nearby abbey. A total of 647sq m (6,964sq ft) of water space and an overall capacity for 223 swimmers will also be provided, along with a 200-station fitness suite with cycle spinning studio.