The development will replace the River Park Leisure Centre – which is more than 40 years old – and the appointment is subject to planning permission being received.

The facility at Bar End will include a 50m swimming pool, a separate teaching pool with a movable floor, an eight-court sport hall and four squash courts.

It will also include 200 gym stations, two large studios, a spin studio, a hydrotherapy suite and eight treatment rooms.

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Cllr Lisa Griffiths, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing and cabinet member at Winchester City Council, said: “This announcement shows real progress is being made to deliver the new sport and leisure centre. 

“In practical terms, it means Willmott Dixon and the architects can now shape the design and share their considerable experience of delivering these types of facilities. 

“The council has selected this contractor to ensure we can deliver the project on time and to budget when we have the planning green light.”

Planning consent for the centre will be considered this autumn, with construction due to start in spring 2019 and completion scheduled for early 2021.

Willmott Dixon is working with architects Stride Treglown on the development.

Richard Poulter, managing director for southern Home Counties at Willmott Dixon, said: “This new facility will create an inspiring and inclusive physical environment serving all residents. 

“We are proud to be part of the team delivering a scheme that will have a longstanding and lasting legacy on those who use it and the environment it sits within.”