This is how your new leisure centre is taking shape.

In a matter of weeks you will be able to pump iron in the gym, diving into the swimming pool and scale the climbing area.

These new picture show it having the first county-standard, eight-lane competition swimming pool in Kent, which has a 250-person capacity spectator stand, and an interactive climbing area.

There is also a sports hall, outdoor football pitches, squash courts, a sauna and steam room and several multi-purpose gym rooms and studios.

MP Charlie Elphicke was given a sneak preview of the £26 million Dover District Leisure Centre in Whitfield before it officially opens in the spring.

He was shown around the site by Cllr Trevor Bartrett, Dover District Council portfolio holder for property management and environmental health and Roger Walton, council strategic director.

There they met representatives from the main contractors BAM Construction who say the work is on budget and on schedule for a formal spring opening.

The Dover and Deal MP said: “It was a real pleasure to be shown around what will be a fantastic community asset for years to come.

“Fitness and sport are hugely important. That’s why it is vital that we offer people better facilities locally than the current rundown building in Townwall Street.

“The new leisure centre in in Whitfield really does look first class – another sign our area is finally getting the investment it deserves.”

Work is continuing on mechanical and electrical installations and the internal fit-out, with hundreds of builders on site at Honeywood Parkway.

More than half of the total order values for construction have been placed with Kent-based contractors.

Places for People have been awarded a 12-year contract to manage the facility, adding to a portfolio of 116 leisure facilities across the country.

The existing leisure centre in Townwall Street, Dover, which opened in 1976, will remain open until the new centre at Whitfield is completed.