THE beginning of the regeneration of Preston was marked by a ceremonial "first dig" for the creation of a new swimming pool.
Diggers have now moved in to begin construction work on new £10 million leisure, community and youth facilities, located near Banstead.
The leisure amenity, due to be finished by September 2015, was officially named by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council leader Victor Broad as Tadworth Leisure and Community Centre last week. The youth centre will be named by Surrey County Council at a later date.
Cllr Broad and councillor David Hodge, leader of the county council, were joined by children from Epsom Downs Primary School and young people from the county council's youth steering group.
The schoolchildren will be following and filming the progress of the build for a school project.
The leisure centre will boast a 25 metre six-lane swimming pool, teaching pool, 60-station gym, dance and exercise studio, four-court sports hall, four five-a-side football pitches, space for community activities, a café, crèche, wet and dry changing rooms, a neighbouring youth centre and parking.
Cllr Broad said: "It is particularly satisfying that, despite the economic situation, our determination and commitment as a council will result in a centre that will contribute to the local economy and to the health and wellbeing of our residents of all ages."
Sport England has contributed £500,000 of National Lottery funding towards the cost of the build, to enable regional standard basketball and trampolining facilities to be provided.
Contractors Pellikaan have set up their office in the former Tattenham Community Centre, where they will be based for up to nine months.
