Construction work on the new Morden Leisure Centre is underway, with foundations having been laid and a 25-metre pool already formed and piling going in.

The site has been visited by Nick Draper, Merton Council’s cabinet member for community and culture, who spoke to site manager Miliad Yousif from Pellikaan and labourer Keir Fitzmorris-Stratford from subcontractors Hauge Group.

The steel frame to the building will be going up soon along with excavation works for the diving pool.

In addition, a new leisure centre will provide Merton residents with accessible facilities including a 25-metre, six-lane main pool, a second pool with a moveable floor to accommodate diving, swimming teaching and water-based exercise, a fitness suite, studio and café.

The council has planned the construction so that the current Mordern Park Pool will stay open and up and running until the new leisure centre opens its doors.

Leisure customers will always have sports facilities throughout the works, and one the new leisure centre is ready then the site of Morden Park Pool will be returned to open green space.

Councillor Nick Draper said: "It was fascinating visiting the site and seeing the huge amount of work that is happening there.

"It was also exciting to see how the base of the pool was shaping up and to talk to the people involved in making the plans on paper become a reality. We’ve worked hard to secure a good deal for our residents with contractor Pellikaan.

"Merton is a great place for families and, as well as serving many local families, the leisure centre will also be an excellent facility for schools and swimming clubs for generations to come and I look forward to seeing the building take shape over the coming weeks and months."