LONG-AWAITED plans for a new Pitsea swimming pool have taken a significant step forward after a building firm was appointed to start work on the development.

Council bosses are now confident the pool will be open to the public by next summer, with workers on site inside two weeks and construction to begin in the new year.

This week, Basildon Council appointed Morgan Sindall Property Services to construct the new four lane 25 metre pool at the Eversley Leisure Centre.

Previous plans for the pool were set to cost Basildon Council in the region of £2 million, but this is believed to have risen to £3.5 million.

Council bosses say it marked an “important milestone”, with residents welcoming the update.

The swimming pool will be built as an extension to Eversley Leisure Centre in Pitsea and will be operated by Sports and Leisure Management Limited, which currently operates the existing centre.

The centre, constructed in 1970, was refurbished in 2017 but political wranglings and the Covid pandemic have delayed the construction of the new swimming pool for years.

Madeline Crossman, 75, from Laindon, said: “I think people will think it’s good to see progress after such a long time, as it’s a saga that’s gone on quite a while.

“I know lots of people were disappointed about not having a pool in Pitsea for a long time. The area does need a bit of improving so it should make a difference to Pitsea and people.

“It is a very good idea and we need more things for the youngsters like this. I just hope it’s affordable for families.”

The plans also include new changing facilities and an extension to the car park, with 50 additional parking spaces at the centre.

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, said: “This is an important milestone in the development of a new swimming pool for Pitsea - one which will give residents and pupils in Pitsea access to high quality facilities right on their doorstep. Residents have long asked us for a new pool in Pitsea and I am pleased that we can now look forward to construction.

“We consulted in detail to make sure this new pool will meet the needs of local people, and we have listened carefully to your responses.

"This new pool will provide a space for everyone to get active, learn new skills and enjoy their free time in a high quality, well maintained facility.”