FOUR companies are vying for the contract to build a new leisure centre in an Essex town after the £2million project was given the go-ahead.Tendring District Council will be considering tenders from the four parties as each one bids to carry out major new refurbishments at Clacton Leisure Centre.

FOUR companies are vying for the contract to build a new leisure centre in an Essex town after the £2million project was given the go-ahead.

Tendring District Council will be considering tenders from the four parties as each one bids to carry out major new refurbishments at Clacton Leisure Centre.

The ambitious scheme features a state-of-the-art leisure facility with a gym, spa and sauna, a coffee shop and improvements to the swimming pool.

The prospective companies will submit their proposals to the council's cabinet and a decision is expected to be made by January.

Pierre Oxley, portfolio holder for leisure at the district council, said the programme of improvements and additions to the site was one of the most exciting schemes in the area for many years.

He said: “It is all part of our strategy to pump money into our leisure facilities and comes hot on the heels of the work already undertaken to the pool area and the resurfacing of the all-weather pitch at the site.

“We will look to sustain this investment in future years but obviously that will all be dependent on the finances available.

“However, it is only right that we look at how we can upgrade amenities as quality leisure facilities become increasingly more important to our residents.”

Mr Oxley said it was important for the centre's users to be consulted during the decision-making process and that the work would hopefully be started in March next year and completed by the following autumn.

He said: “It is vital that we explain what we are trying to achieve and take on board their views as part of the process”.

Although there would be some disruption while work is carried out, the council are holding talks with Clacton County High School to use some of its facilities.

Other improvements carried out by the council have seen leisure income already hit targets after the first six months of 2006-7.

Terry Allen, executive leader of Tendring Council, said the Lifestyles project for Clacton was one of three major capital schemes in the district.

The others are the refurbishment of Clacton town centre and new toilets at Frinton. “All three will be of major benefit to residents and visitors alike and are excellent examples of the ongoing investment in our district,” he said.

elliot.furniss@eadt.co.uk