Work begins on £21m sport complex

The Pods sports centre will feature a cafe and a creche

Building work on a new £21m sport and leisure complex has begun in a North Lincolnshire town.

Councillors estimated that work on The Pods complex in Scunthorpe would create 150 construction jobs.

The futuristic building will house a swimming pool, gym, dance studio, sports hall and cafe.

As part of the project the nearby Central Park will also get £2m of funding for a children's play area, new benches, an amphitheatre and pathway.

'Very special'

It is hoped that The Pods, near Ashby Road, will open by Spring 2011.

The building is designed with environmentally-friendly features including a bio-mass boiler and grey water recycling facilities. The building's roof will also be partly covered with plants.

Officials cut the first sod for The Pods complex

The project has been a joint venture by North Lincolnshire Council, Sport England and development groups Yorkshire Forward and the Scunthorpe Town Team.

North Lincolnshire Council leader, Mark Kirk, said: "I am very excited that work is finally about to start.

"This project has been a long time in the making but now what we are about to witness is the start of something very special."

He added: "The Pods and nearby Central Park improvements will not only regenerate Scunthorpe, but will provide a lasting landmark for future generations to enjoy."