Work has begun on a £10m leisure centre boasting a swimming pool, gym and football pitches in Tadworth.

Construction company Pellikaan Construction started work on Monday and expects to complete the development in Merland Rise by summer 2015.

The company are setting up a site office and moving equipment on site before demolishing the Tattenham Community Centre to make way for an access road.

The leisure complex will include space for community activities, a dance and exercise studio, sports hall, café, crèche and a neighbouring youth skills centre.

Councillor Natalie Bramhall, executive member for property and regeneration at Reigate and Banstead Council, said: "It’s really exciting that we’ll soon start to see things happening on site after all the planning that has gone into this project.

“I'm sure that, like me, local people are looking forward to watching the ambitious plans for these fantastic facilities become a reality, improving the local area and making it a better place to live.”

She added: “We have Pellikaan’s assurance that they will keep disruption to a minimum and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience residents may experience while we make these improvements to their community, but the end result will be well worth it."

Councillor Ros Mill, executive member for leisure and wellbeing, said: "The new centre will provide fantastic, modern facilities for residents in Preston and the surrounding area, improving opportunities to stay fit and healthy."

The centre is a joint venture with Surrey County Council.

For updates on the project visit www.facebook.com/groups/prestonregeneration