WORK on the new Selby Leisure Centre has reached a significant milestone.

Selby District Council and contractor Wates Construction held a ‘topping out’ ceremony putting the building's topmost beam is put in place at the new sports facility on Scott Road.

Selby Leisure Centre is being part-funded by a £2m Sport England lottery grant and work began in February earlier this year. When complete, the new centre will include a six-lane 25m swimming pool and a learner pool, a studio gym, sauna and steam rooms and an outdoor all-weather sports pitch.

The new facility will replace the former Abbey Leisure Centre, which was destroyed by fire in February last year. Completion is scheduled for early 2015.

Phil Harrison, Managing Director, Wates Construction North, said: “This milestone demonstrates the efficient progress we are making with the construction of Selby Leisure Centre as we work towards an on time on budget completion in the new year. We are very proud of the role we are playing in the creation of this new facility which is poised to provide an invaluable community resource for the people of Selby.”

Cllr Gillian Ivey, deputy leader of the council, said: “This ceremony is a major milestone as we work to deliver a fantastic new leisure centre for our residents. I hope that we can show everyone that the day when they can start to enjoy the state of the art facilities is now significantly closer.”