The £13m contract was awarded to Wates by Cheshire West and Chester Council and will see the contractor build a brand new leisure facility in Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port.

Designed by Ellis Williams, construction of the 6,000 sq m building is due to start this November and will reach completion in spring 2015.

Facilities at the flagship leisure development will include an eight-court sports hall with a seating capacity for 1,400, an eight-lane 25m swimming pool, an 80-station gym and dance and fitness studios.

The development is co funded by Sports England.

Wates is also set to commence demolition of 1950s Memorial Hall in Northwich to make way for Cheshire West and Chester Council’s £13.7m Memorial Court leisure complex.

Tony Shenton, Business Unit Director for Wates Construction, North West, said: “Construction of Ellesmere Port Sport and Leisure Village, alongside Northwich Memorial Court, will facilitate the provision of state-of-the-art recreational and leisure facilities for Cheshire.

“The two projects mark a significant investment from Cheshire West and Chester Council and their efficient procurement through the North West Construction Hub demonstrates that regeneration can be delivered with the public purse in mind, without a compromise on quality.”

Throughout the build Wates has also pledged to utilise the construction work as a means of boosting the region’s employment and training opportunities, with the provision of at least seven apprentices for local people.

Councillor Herbert Manley, Executive Member for Growth and Innovation, said: “By using the North West Construction Hub we are ensuring value for money and the quality of build both these schemes deserve.

“The commitment by Wates to use the construction work to provide local employment and training opportunities is very welcome.”