The contractor has been pressing to get on site to make up lost time on the project, which was expected to get underway in April.

Progress with a construction start has been hindered by council advice not to proceed until a formal contract has been agreed.

Project delays stem from a lengthy value engineering exercise to try to bring the project in closer to the initial £17m budget.

Talks are now well advanced on the changes in scope and a contract is expected to be signed shortly, allowing work to start on the Wilkingson Eyre designed swimming pool, which has been billed as the most significant development in Worthing for a decade.

The new pool complex will include a six lane, 25 metre competition pool, a combined learner and diving pool with one and three metre boards.

The project also includes an indoor leisure pool with flume, outdoor waters, a health and fitness centre and café.