The community hub is a leisure facility developed by South Tyneside Council as part of its masterplan to regenerate the town centre, which also includes a supermarket and residential housing.

Work on the hub comprises is expected to start in August, once planning has been obtained and demolition has been completted.

Willmott Dixon will build a 25m, six-lane swimming pool as well as a learner pool, sports hall, dance studio, library and customer service facilities.

The builder has just signed up Mott MacDonald as its civil and structural design engineers for the £11m project.

As well as providing civil and structural engineering services on the project, Mott MacDonald will reuse materials where possible and minimise waste onsite by using a precast concrete floor solution.

Additionally, the consultancy will use BIM on the project in order to deliver time, cost, environmental and operational efficiencies.

Gerry Gray, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “Our appointment on this project continues a strong relationship between Mott MacDonald and Willmott Dixon in the north east.

“Previous projects include the award-winning Houghton-le-Spring Primary Care Centre in Sunderland and the new police headquarters in Newcastle city centre.”