BUILDING work has begun on a new £5 million ski village and bowling alley in Selby.

The Selby Leisure Village will feature facilities for families including a climbing wall, an adventure play zone, aerial trekking ropes, an indoor skate and BMX park, alongside the ski village and ten pin bowling.

Members of Selby District Council's executive gathered at the new Selby Leisure Centre in Scott Road to mark the occasion of work officially starting on the new building, which they hope will create an attraction which could be a major boost for the town and the local economy.

Councillor Dave Peart, executive member with responsibility for housing, leisure, health and culture, said: "This is the first step on the road to providing a significant boost to family facilities in the district. It will be a huge draw, bringing visitors into Selby - which then has the positive knock–on effect of providing a substantial boost to the wider business community.

"This supports our long-term vision for the Selby district which includes making Selby a great place to enjoy a healthy and happy life and our renewed focus on strengthening the local economy."

The new leisure centre was officially opened in March by Olympian Rebecca Adlington, and cost £7m to build in three years since the former centre was devastated by a massive fire.

The centre will also include a cafe and restaurant, and plans for an outdoor skate and BMX park are also underway, with consultation taking place recently for users of other local skate parks.

The site will be run by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, who also run the council's other leisure services.

Pete Burt, managing director at WLCT, said: "We are extremely pleased to be working with the council on this project, which will deliver a fantastic facility for families. The activities on offer will be enjoyable and accessible, providing a fun way for people to get active and healthy across the region."

The leisure village is due to open next year.