The project will be built opposite to Linkwood Distillery in Elgin.

Proposals for phase one include a gym, dedicated strength and conditioning, an eight-badminton court multi-sports hall with bleacher seating, exercise studios, a café with children’s soft play, treatment rooms and a specialist GP referral room.

In addition, 3G/grass pitches will be built including a 1km running trailer. Further features involve indoor tennis, athletics facilities and a dedicated gymnastic and martial arts hall.

Up to 50 workers will be on site during the construction phase.

Moray Sports centre chief executive, Kathryn Evans, said: “We are already working closely with Morrison on pinning down the detailed design of this superb facility.

“The design will stand the test of time. It will be highly energy efficient and cost effective to run. And the purposely modular design will allow future phases to be built efficiently.

“What will be built when depends on how much funding we can raise. It is entirely possible that we will be building phase one, two and three at about the same time. As an independent charitable enterprise, with no local authority funding, we must raise the capital for building from national funding, major donors and general fundraising.”

Morrison Construction’s Michael Duncan added: “The Morrison team is delighted to have been appointed to deliver Moray Sports Centre. We are looking forward to working closely with Kathryn and her team to develop the facility.”

Work is expected to begin on site in 2017.