Willmott Dixon has signed a contract with Rochdale Borough Council to build the town centre's new leisure centre, due to open in 2012.
The company was appointed in August to develop plans to deliver the £10.8 million project and work will start on the Entwisle Road site in November.
Plans for the centre include an eight-lane swimming pool, a learner pool and a thermal suite as well as a sports hall, a fitness suite, dance studios, a youth gym and a 167 space car park.
Councillor David Clayton, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said: "This is going to be a great new centre. In recent months we've heard of many local authorities having to take difficult decisions and close sports and leisure centres, but we feel it's vital that we offer fantastic fitness facilities that will encourage people to get fit and stay fit."
The new centre will be built just yards from Central Leisure on Entwisle Road, with the current Central Leisure building being demolished once the new sports and leisure centre is open.
(CD/GK)
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