The council’s next step will be to carry out a wide consultation exercise to involve as many residents as possible in decisions about the design of the centre. It’s expected that the consultation will go live later this month.

It views the prospect of the new leisure centre, with its range of modern facilities, as a means to will give many residents more opportunities to look after their physical and mental wellbeing and also to help increase the profile of the town centre, entice people back to the area and boost the local economy.

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for resources and performance, said: “I am delighted that we have now appointed a contractor and are able to progress work on the exciting new leisure centre project.  We want to make South Ayrshire a better place to live for everyone, and I’m sure this will come as welcome news to residents and local businesses as we take further steps towards breathing life back into Ayr town centre.

“This is a major investment in South Ayrshire and we want to work with the public to get their views on what they would like to see in this eagerly anticipated new facility. I’d encourage as many people as possible to take part in the series of consultations we will run to make sure the new centre is designed to help us all get fit for our future.”

Councillor Siobhian Brown, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for economy and culture, said: “This is great news. The new leisure centre in Ayr will transform the town, bringing modern facilities and a range of leisure opportunities for local people and visitors to enjoy.

“Our priority is to entice people back in to the town centre, and this exciting leisure development will, as part of our wider vision for Ayr town centre, attract more residents and visitors to the area, giving a much needed boost to the local economy.

“The current Citadel is dated and can’t accommodate the volume of people who want to participate in leisure activities, especially in areas such as swimming lessons. This facility is a long term investment in the health and the wellbeing of local people, and in the town itself.”