A NEW top of the range health club is to be built on Preston's redeveloped docklands.

At a cost of £3million, the hi-tech sporting venue is a joint venture between Club Carrefour and Complex Development Projects (CDP).

And with sophistication being at the top of the constructors' list of priorities, the building's metal and glass structure will give it a totally modern feel worthy of the new Millennium.

The new complex, which is just one mile from Preston town centre, will house facilities such as a spa, swimming pool, exercise studio, gymnasium, a spinning room, treatment and beauty rooms, a lounge and a creche for the youngsters.

Work is set to begin on the 28,000 sq. ft complex in the autumn and is hoped to be finished by next summer, adding to a range of new developments in the area including the refurbished office headquarters for Gold Medal Travel and the new KFC restaurant. It is the second major project for Club Carrefour in the UK, whose scheme in Norwich is almost nearing completion.

Peter Brimelow, a partner at Brimelow McSweeney Architects who are designing the building, said: "Our brief required a high quality, dynamic, modern building that will make a statement about the Club Carrefour Company ethos.

"The building will showcase the activities and re-inforce the council's strategy for regeneration of this area."

And managing director of Club Carrefour, Andy Topman said: "This unique location in Preston allows our company the opportunity to invest in an area which is both exceptional and exciting.

"Our strategy and vision for the UK expansion is to give cities a brand new facility, which will be unrivalled by any other operation."

Pictured: The planned new Club Carrefour health centre at Preston's Docklands.