Seventy invited guests toured the Dimple site yesterday before the foundation stone was unveiled by East Midlands Development Agency chairman Bryan Jackson.

Cllr Barrie Tipping, chairman of Matlock Area Recreation and Sports Group, said: "This is a major move forward for Matlock and the central Dales and can pave the way for further regeneration.

"It should be a tremendous boost and will say to developers that Matlock is an up-and-coming town."

He added: "There's been a lot of cynicism over whether it would happen and our volunteers have stood on street corners and taken lots of negative comments, but we have stuck at it.

"It's been ten years since we first talked about it, but now it is here for everyone to see as the biggest thing the district council has done since its inception."

Derbyshire Dales District Council has promised the as-yet-unnamed centre – which will feature a swimming pool with a moveable floor, two indoor sports halls, outdoor football pitches, a community room and cafe – will be finished by the summer of 2011.

Renewable energy systems such as solar panels, rainwater recovery and combined heating and power will all be included.

However, the planned outdoor multi-use games area, indoor bowls facility and BMX trails have been cut from the design due to funding and planning hitches.

Cllr Tipping, whose group has raised £200,000 towards the project, added: "We would always like more, but considering the size of the project we are extremely pleased and happy. I'm just looking forward to
getting my feet wet in the pool."

Matlock mayor Geoff Stevens said he had been dreaming about the project starting for the last decade.

He said: "It's a great symbolic moment for residents to see it's actually happening."

Cllr Stevens added: "When people see the investment here and that the Lido site will become available, it'll really encourage progress in Matlock.

"Combined with the parks project and Cawdor Quarry, I am excited about what's taking place here."

Development chief Dave Brooks revealed the new eight-lane pool would feature a water-level window with panoramic views across the Derwent Valley.

He added: "It's going to be a major boost to the regional economy and a facility we can be very proud of."

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