Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym is set to be replaced by a new leisure centre with a 25m competition standard swimming pool at the Richfield Avenue site.
The new centre will be built on the existing car park site before the old centre is finally demolished.
Demolition of the existing building to make additional car park spaces will mark the second phase, and the old leisure centre will remain open until the new one is complete in Spring 2023.
The Rivermead project forms part of a upgrade of sports facilities in Reading.
Earlier this month, work started on the refurbishment of the Palmer Park Sports Stadium, which will also see a new swimming pool built.
