A £12m sports centre between Matlock and Darley Dale is on target to be opened by summer 2011.

Morgan Ashurst, of Nottingham, has won the bid to construct the complex, called the Central Area Leisure Centre.

Work is due to start on the all-year all-weather centre, which includes a movable floor in the centre's eight-lane competition swimming pool and incorporates renewable energy features to minimise the new building's carbon footprint.

These include solar panels, rainwater recovery and combined heating and power.

Councillor Lewis Rose, leader of the council, said: "We are delighted that this striking project is on schedule and that we have been able to respond to the views of local people. The renewable energy features reaffirm the district council's commitment to take a lead in combating climate change.

"Public consultation has helped to shape the project and the input from the Matlock Area Recreation and Sports Group is much appreciated."

A total of £7m for the project is coming from the council, with the remainder from other agencies and groups.