Aberdeenshire Council has announced that a sod-cutting ceremony will be held on 25 July to mark the start of work on a new swimming pool and leisure complex in Fraserburgh.

The multi-million pound project is to be delivered by Stewart Milne Construction and will feature a 25m competition-standard, six-lane swimming pool and a small training pool. A three-court sports hall; a gym; and a fitness studio will also form part of the venue, along with a village changing area; sauna/steamroom facilities; and a new community centre.

Sustainable materials and measures will be incorporated into the new building, which aims to attain a "Very Good" rating under the BREEAM assessment system. Architectural, electrical design and quantity surveying works have been carried out in-house by the Property Section – part of the Infrastructure Service of Aberdeenshire Council.

W A Fairhurst and Partners; AECOM; and DEP Landscape Initiatives will work with the council's Property Section going forward. Aberdeenshire Council has allocated nearly £9m for the scheme as part of its Capital Plan, while sportscotland has contributed £500,000.

Meanwhile, Fraserburgh area initiative for Swimming, Sport and Health (FISSH) is to fund a 40m (131ft) internal flume for the complex, as well as other equipment "if funds allow".