WORK to build a major new leisure centre in Bradford is on track, with the shell of the huge structure now erected.

The Sedbergh Sports Centre is due to open in September, and is currently being built on the former Sedbergh playing fields site between Cleckheaton Road and Huddersfield Road.

The facility, which will include swimming pools, gym space, indoor sports courts and outdoor pitches, will replace the Richard Dunn Sports Centre.

The Richard Dunn site will close when Sedbergh opens, and the land will be sold to developers.

There are currently between 70 and 90 people working on the site on a day to day basis to make sure the leisure centre is completed on time.

So far the £17.5 million project is on time and on budget.

The Telegraph & Argus were recently given a tour round the construction site, and got to see firsthand the how big the building will be.

The facility will include a two pools, a 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool and an activity pool with moveable floor that will allow the depth of the pool to be altered for different groups, from toddlers to elderly.

An eight-court sports hall will be based on the ground floor, while an 80-station fitness suite will be built on a mezzanine level. The development also includes two activity studios, and outdoor pitches for football and rugby built on the site.

On the tour of the site, when the Telegraph & Argus was accompanied by Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for Environment, Sport and Culture, workers were busy completing the pools, which were dug into the ground near the start of the construction project.

Although there is still much work to be done, and the site is still a busy building site, it is clear how much work has been done since the project began in Spring, with the huge metal skeleton of the building emerging from the playing field.

The scale of the centre was obvious on the tour, with the the indoor courts section in particular looking particularly cavernous.

And standing on the mezzanine, where the gym will be based, you get an incredible view of the surrounding area.

Although the centre will be huge, it is actually set low on the site, meaning it is actually level with many of the surrounding houses.

New grass pitches will replace the existing, sloping pitches that previously existed on the site.

In recent weeks numerous Councillors have been given tours of the site, including members of the Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee, who have been following the progress of the scheme at recent meetings.

Councillor Ferriby said: “We are delighted by the progress that is being made on the new facility at Sedbergh.

“In addition to delivering a fantastic new building for the community, the way in which local schools, residents and business are being engaged with the project is very encouraging.

“Having visited the site I am pleased to hear that the development is progressing on time and the coming months should prove to be very exciting times as this exciting new building nears completion”

The project is using a number of local suppliers and contractors, with 85 per cent of the labour being sourced locally.

Furness Engineers, based in the city centre, are the civil and structural engineers for the project, and Moortown Construction, based on Roydsdale Way, are the groundworks contractors.

Local schools and colleges have been involved with the development. Twelve students from Bradford College were recently on a site as part of a week-long work experience event, carrying out tasks that replicate a “real life project.” There is also a Bradford College Work experience student on site one day a week and a year out student who will be on the Ppject through to completion.

There are three apprentices currently on site, and more starting when other trades commence their works. And Wilsden Primary School has partnered with the project, with workers helping the school create outdoor learning space.

The development is part of a £28 million shake up of the council’s leisure facilities that will see new sports centres built at Sedbergh and Squire Lane in Toller.

However, the plans will see the council close Bingley Swimming Pool and Queensbury Pool.

Bradford Council has started marketing the Richard Dunn site, and Councillors have been assured that it will not be shut until Sedbergh is open.