The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) has confirmed the start of construction work at the new £1.3m Cox Green Leisure Centre in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Work on the new facility, which is situated adjacent to Cox Green School on Highfield Lane, is expected to be completed by September and will be funded by a Football Foundation grant and developers' contributions. A new 42-station Bodyzone fitness suite equipped by Precor, a first-floor multi-purpose dance studio and four changing rooms will be among the centre's facilities, along with changing rooms for people with disabilities and for officials and referees using nearby football pitches.

Swindon-based construction company EW Beard is delivering the venue, which has been designed by Datchet-based architects Edgington, Spink and Hyne. Existing facilities, including a small Bodyzone gym, badminton courts and climbing wall will remain open during the construction period. Cox Green School headteacher Ian Hylan said: "As well as benefiting the local community, this centre will be a great asset for all Cox Green, Lowbrook Primary and Manor Green pupils, and will provide facilities for our new creative and media diploma course."

RBWM's lead member for adult and community services, Simon Dudley, added: "The new leisure centre stems from the council's consultation with residents, community groups and site users and will offer great opportunities for local people to keep fit and healthy - right on their own doorstep."