WORK is set to start on a new David Lloyd leisure facility on Colchester’s Northern Gateway.

Colchester Council has now agreed the lease with the health club giants to develop a complex which will include tennis courts, a gym and swimming pools and could create 70 jobs.

PR executive for David Lloyd Leisure Ltd Sarah Young said: “David Lloyd is pleased to have completed negotiations with Colchester Council. “The way is now paved for us to start construction of our state of the art facility which will provide a significant contribution to the health, sports and leisure needs of Colchester residents”

The scheme will also create a multi-use games area available for community groups to use for a host of different sports.

The council’s economic growth boss Bill Frame said he was happy the lease had been agreed following planning permission being rubberstamped in September.

He said: “I am delighted that the lease has been completed on this site and that work is now set to begin.

“We are extremely pleased that David Lloyd Leisure, a prestigious name in the industry, has chosen to make this significant investment in north Colchester.

“The development will generate wider benefits for both residents and businesses, including opportunities for employment and economic growth.

“It is a further boost towards making the wider Northern Gateway development an attractive and sustainable new destination for sports, leisure and business”

Other facilities in the pipeline for the development include a cinema with IMAX provision, a dozen restaurants, a hotel and extreme sports facilities on land close to the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

There could also be a network of cycling and walking routes for visitors and residents to enjoy.