Calderdale Council has appointed the Hertfordshire-based construction company, Willmott Dixon, to build two new swimming complexes in West Yorkshire.

The £10.5m project will see new pools for the towns of Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse, which will be part-funded by the sale of Leeds-Bradford International airport in 2007. Architect Saunders Boston were behind the designs for the two new sites, both incorporating a 25m, six-lane swimming pool, a learner pool, and a fitness suite. The centres will fulfil the council's plans to replace existing facilities in the area.

Amanda Byrne, cabinet member for community services at the council, said: "We are looking forward to the next stage of the project when we receive the outline designs so we can share these with the public and find out their views." Mark Pheasey, operations director at Willmott Dixon, added: "We know the value of having good quality leisure facilities to the community and are looking forward to the benefits these two superb new venues will bring to residents in Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge."