ONE of the leading names in construction has commenced work on the major refurbishment of Andover Leisure Centre in a project that will dramatically improve the existing leisure facilities in the area.

The £688,000 project for Valley Leisure is being carried out by construction company Willmott Dixon and will take 15 weeks to complete.

It involves extensive internal alterations to the existing leisure centre structure, including the redevelopment of the existing gym to have a much more open layout. Among the facilities to be added will be a crche, and a new health suite incorporating a health and body spa, sauna and steam room.

A new bar and kitchen area are also included in the plans. Kevin MacMahon, business development manager at Willmott Dixon Construction, said: "The work we are carrying out here will make an appreciable difference to the leisure facilities available to the public, not only in Andover itself but throughout the surrounding area.

"Willmott Dixon has completed over £32m of leisure projects in Hampshire in the last two years, and the fact that it has secured the Andover Leisure Centre contract is testimony to the company's proven track record of expertise in the leisure sector.

"I hope that this project will spell the beginning of a long and successful partnership between Willmott Dixon and Valley Leisure."

Willmott Dixon has been involved in 14 leisure projects across the South of England in the last five years, encompassing both the public and private sectors.

These include projects for David Lloyd Leisure, Roko Leisure and several local authorities.