The long-awaited scheme cleared a key milestone after Waverley Borough Council resolved planning conditions and reset the delivery timeline in response to shifting market costs. Construction will now start next summer.

The builder will now enter detailed negotiations on design and programme for what will be the UK’s third Passivhaus-standard leisure centre.

New leisure centre features a 25m pool, teaching pool with moveable floor, gym, studios and café

Willmott Dixon delivered a previous Passivhaus scheme in Spelthorne also in Surrey, while Kier built the first in Exeter.

Councillor Liz Townsend said the move marked a major advance for the village: “We’re delighted to be moving forward with this exciting next phase, working together with Willmott Dixon to agree final designs, costs and timelines.

“The new leisure centre is a significant development for Cranleigh and the surrounding villages.

Townsend added: “Sustainability is at the heart of this project, and partnering with a contractor who shares our ambition for carbon neutrality by 2030 is absolutely vital.”

The new facility is due to open in winter 2027 and will replace the ageing existing centre.