Work has begun on the Basildon Sporting Village, which will include the first 50 metre swimming pool in Essex.

The 50 metre pool will be accompanied by seating for 450 spectators as well as diving and dry land training facilities and work is expected to be completed as early as 2011.

The ASA has been involved with the project in an advisory role since its inception in August 2003. The scheme is to be delivered through a 25-year agreement between Community Solutions of Leisure (CSL) and Basildon District Council. CSL’s construction partner Morgan Ashurst will build the new centre and Morgan Professional Services will carry out civil and structural engineering design and mechanical and electrical design.

Councillor Stephen Horgan, Deputy Leader of Basildon District Council said: “This is a transformational project for sport, healthy living and the promotion of active lifestyles across the region. We can be proud that we will be creating a facility that will include the only 50 metre pool in Essex. Most importantly the Sporting Village is for everybody from residents that want to lead an active life through to competitive athletes.”

Other facilities to be included in the project include six floodlit five-a-side artificial pitches, a regional gymnastics centre and 12 national standard netball courts.