It is understood that preferred bidder BAM Construction is now expected to start work on the Leisure World facility in the New Year.
It will be built along the sea front on the site of the current building with construction expected to take about 18 months.
New pools, water slides, health suite, gym, sports facilites, a climbing wall and a café should be ready to open in autumn 2015.
While the building work is going on a temporary Olympic training pool, used by athletes in the run up to the London Olympic and Paralympic games, will be put up at Gypsey Road Sports Hall site