WORK is on track for the completion of the new Horwich Leisure Centre.

The £10m project is in its 23rd week of 65, after work began to demolish the existing multi-storey car park on the site, in June.

Completion of the building, which will include a six-lane swimming pool and separate training pool, a six-court sports hall which can be divided for a variety of sports, a 100-station fitness suite, a multi-function studio with kitchen and changing room facilities, has been set for September, 2017 ready for opening in 2018.

In comparison to the current centre, the new building will have disabled access to the spectator gallery and access stairs to the pool for those with limited mobility. There is also an ambition to make the centre the first dementia-friendly centre in the country.

Darrell Cullen, construction manager, said: “It is satisfying to put your name to a job that will kick-start the health and well-being for the next generation of Horwich.”

The steel framework of the building is due to be completed by Christmas with the roof and cladding installed in the New Year followed by internal work which will begin to take shape from March until April and external work up until August. To ensure the community is engaged throughout the project, newsletters to inform residents and businesses of what stage the build is at have been sent out.

A time lapse camera has also been installed overlooking the site, which can be viewed online and surrounding the site is a timeline of blueprint images and artist impressions and also fences allowing visibility into the site.

Jon Gorton of Bolton Community Leisure Trust said: “We want to build up a momentum of excitement ahead of the opening so it is really important to continue to engage with the community.

“We have tried to minimise disruption as much as possible. We have made 52 temporary parking spaces and have created a temporary parking area for contractors.”

Councillor John Byrne said: “It is a big investment in Horwich.

"I am really pleased with the progress.”