St Albans council confirmed today that Willmott has won the race to replace McNamara and work will start on the Westminster Lodge leisure centre scheme in January.
The council came under fire for originally picking McNamara to build the scheme just days before the Irish giant went into receivership owing €1.5bn.
Local contractors told the Enquirer that McNamara’s bid came in way below other quotes.
Willmott Dixon was one of the losing contractors in the original tender race but will now take over the project after it stalled on the starting blocks.
The Westminster Lodge scheme includes provision for a 25m x eight-lane main pool, a 17m x 10m training pool and a four-court sports hall as well as a fitness gym, exercise studios and a café/bistro.