A new centre in Elgin aiming to make Moray a leader in sports facilities has moved a step closer.
Morrison Construction has been appointed as preferred bidder for the project that will have a sports hall, badminton courts and a gym.
Moray Sports Centre chief executive Kathryn Evans said: “What will be built depends on how much funding we can raise.
“It is entirely possible that we will be building phase one, two and three at about the same time. As an independent charitable enterprise with no local authority funding, we must raise the capital for the building from national funding, major donors and general fundraising.”
The value for the contract is not yet known and drawings for the building that will neighbour the Linkwood Distillery on the town’s south side will not be completed until later in the month.
But Mrs Evans said the building will be “inspirational” with a design that would “stand the test of time”.
Constructors hope to move onto the site next year. Up to 50 people are expected to be employed during the work with jobs for over 150 people once it is finished.
A café, children’s play area and a specialist GP referral room are also included in the plans. Future work could include indoor tennis, athletics facilities and football pitches.
The sports centre is part of Springfield Properties’ masterplan for the south of Elgin that also includes 2500 homes.
Mrs Evans said: “In order to keep up momentum the centre has to be busy. The Centre will complement existing Moray facilities. We are establishing partnerships which will enable us to expand sports development and introduce new long term health innovations.
“Enabling higher level competition and physical fitness of older generations are just two examples. Our vision for the centre is to make Moray a leader in wide ranging sports and health initiatives.”