The steel framework of a controversial new leisure centre has been completed, as Sport England issued its official notice of the final confirmation of its £2.4 million grant for the project.

Hyndburn Council's new Labour leader Cllr Munsif Dad led a celebration event to mark the progress on the Wilson Sports Village in Clayton-le-Moors.

The £12.6m scheme, which involves demolishing an existing clubhouse and replacing it with a new sports centre accommodating a 25-metre four-lane pool, indoor and outdoor changing facilities, fitness suite, offices, community rooms, a café and reception area - generated great controversy and 114 objections to the planning application.

Great Harwood residents and councillors led opposition to the project on Wilsons Playing Fields, which is a key part of Hyndburn's Leisure Transformation Project over the associated permanent closure of the swimming pool in the township's Mercer Hall.

Dignitaries have visited the siteDignitaries have visited the site

But on Wednesday Cllr Dad joined representatives of Sport England, the Hyndburn Leisure Trust which will run the new leisure and fitness hub, and local sporting organisations to celebrate the latest construction milestone towards the completion of the project.

It also marked the official rubber stamp by Sport England of its £2.4 million investment via its Strategic Facilities Fund, which has the objective of supplying the right sports facilities in the right areas.

The event, held on the grounds of the future complex, showcased the completed steel structure of the facility, which is hoped to become an important hub for sports and recreation in the area.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the site, including the athletics track, sports pitches, and woodland areas.

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director for place at Sport England, said: “The Wilson Sports Village is a testament to both the council’s and Sport England’s commitment to health and wellbeing.

“With the help of £2.4m of Sport England funding via the National Lottery, this is genuinely a landmark development for Hyndburn, with the ambition for the Sports Village to be a catalyst to help more people, of all abilities, get physically active."

Cllr Dad, said: “Our aim is to ensure that Wilson Sports Village serves as a hub for all, enhancing our outreach and support for people with disabilities and additional needs.

"Just here today I’ve met with so many groups who currently use the site and will benefit from this development, including Accrington Road Runners, Super Slow Way and Wheels for All.”

Joe McTague, chief operating officer of Wheels for All, said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this exciting new facility."