Financial closure has now been reached on Bristol's, multi-million pound Hengrove Leisure Centre PFI scheme, council chiefs have announced.

The announcement means building work can start in the summer.

The city council and its partner - Bristol Active Limited (BAL), will focus on delivering the new development, which will be at the heart of south Bristol's regeneration.

The complex at Hengrove Park will feature a 50-metre swimming pool with moveable flooring and a learner pool with a moveable floor. Its opening in February 2012 is expected to help double the number of people taking up swimming in the city.

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As well as making a difference to swimming in the city, the Leisure Centre will also be a key element in the wider Hengrove Park Regeneration Scheme. The development will see a new South Bristol Community Hospital, a new Skills Academy to help local people gain vital training, and new business opportunities, with the potential to create hundreds of local jobs.

The infrastructure works to provide road access and utilities to serve the leisure centre and other elements of Phase 1 of the Hengrove Park regeneration programme are already completed.

(CD/NS)