THE contract to design, build and manage North Devon’s new leisure centre at Seven Brethren has been awarded to Parkwood Leisure Ltd who will take over the operation of the new leisure centre on land adjoining Tarka Tennis.

Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2020 and be complete by Autumn 2022.

The new leisure contract is also good news for Ilfracombe as the existing swimming pool and fitness centre are included in the 20-year operating contract, providing sustainable facilities for North Devon.

Sport England has provided £1.75m of National Lottery funding towards the project and £1.5m has been granted by the Coastal Communities Fund. Section 106 contributions have also been put towards the build costs.