HALF a million pounds has already been ploughed into the construction of a Bolton youth club's plush new headquarters.

And now, nearly six months after work started on the new building for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, contractors are preparing to begin building the HQ's steel frame.

As the BEN revealed in December 1999, the club was awarded £3.7 million of Lottery cash to fund the prestigious development at the former Navada Roller Rink on Spa Road.

Last November the first sod was cut by young club members, heralding the start of construction on the multi-million pound building which will replace the club's 112-year-old, cramped Bark Street site.

Despite initial difficulties with ground conditions at the site causing a few problems, contractors remain confident the building will be handed over to youth club bosses in nine months' time.

Bolton surveyor Les Harvey, who represents the club during the building contract, praised work to overcome ground difficulties which had at first affected piles driven into the earth as foundations.

He added: "Everybody is working extremely well together on this scheme. If there have been any problems they have been quickly overcome.

"It will provide a tremendous base for the youth club which has been such an integral part of the community for so long.

"The club really does deserve a superb, showpiece building and with this scheme it's getting one."

The new centre will also boast a floodlit all-weather pitch with state-of-the-art artificial turf, a sports hall fitness suite and offices.

Work on a huge retaining wall has now been completed and the steel frame should start to be built in June.

John Clarke, managing director of North-west contractors John Turner and Sons, confirmed that, so far, about £500,000 has been spent on the building.

He added: "We're extremely proud to be involved in constructing what will be such a landmark building for the Bolton area."