Willmott Dixon has secured a £46 million contract to build a combined schools and leisure campus in Northumberland.

The scheme will see the existing Ponteland Leisure Centre demolished and replaced by new facility with secondary and primary school providing 2,040 places.

Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the campus will feature spaces for secondary/sixth form pupils, as well as primary school and nursery provision.

The adjoining leisure facility will provide a 25m six lane swimming pool, learner pool and children's wet play area, a clip and climb and soft play area, fitness suite, studios, sports hall, badminton courts, outdoor sports fields, as well as two full size 3G pitches and a library.

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Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded this contract for Northumberland County Council. We have developed a proposal based on the needs of the community and providing a range of facilities which will not only benefit the pupils from the schools but also local people for years to come."

Paul Richardson, partner of FaulknerBrowns Architects, said: "This type of integrated facility is unique in the region and will offer outstanding learning, leisure and sporting opportunities for the whole community. Our work extends internationally, so it's great to have the opportunity to apply our experience to this type of project in our native North East."

(LM/CD)