UNVEILED this week is a first glimpse of how the new state-of-the-art multi-million pound Riverside Leisure Centre could look.

Chelmsford City Council has appointed architects Pick Everard to design the £21.6 million complex, which is due to open in late 2018.

In addition to a larger 25m x 10 lane swimming pool as a centrepiece to the development, the architect revealed two fun pools, a flume, 120-station gym, health and fitness studios, changing rooms and reception area will also be built.

Councillor Julia Jeapes, Chelmsford City Council’s cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: “The new leisure centre will be designed to provide access to the widest possible cross-section of the community under the principle

“(It will) provide an affordable family-friendly attraction suitable for all.

“She added “Later this year we will be able to see the designs coming together and I hope at this point people will be inspired at the thought of having this fantastic facility in our city centre.”

Built on the site of the existing Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, construction is planned to start in July next year.

Meanwhile, the existing leisure centre will remain open throughout the construction period, according to a council spokesman.

Employing more than 450 staff across the UK, Pick Everard’s Bury St Edmunds office will spearhead the project.

Its director, Keith Prendergast welcomed the new contract.

He said: “We are delighted to be appointed onto this exciting new project for Chelmsford City Council and look forward to working closely with the local authority and all the stakeholders.”

He added the firm has delivered a number of prestigious developments, including the Olympic Legacy Project in Hadleigh Park, which hosted the 2012 Olympic mountain bike trials.