Prelminary work on winter sports centre near Ipswich will start next month after long delays

Builders are set to begin work on one of the largest winter sports centres in Europe after years of planning delays.

The £350m SnOasis winter sports centre near Ipswich will start to take shape next month final agreements were signed on Christmas Eve.

The complex developed by Onslow Suffolk will feature an indoor ski slope, ice rink and 350 log cabins.

Preliminary works on the former quarry in Great Blakenham will start next month while full construction will begin in September.

Essex-based contractor Mountfield has been selected as preferred contractor for several contracts.

The contractor is in negotiations with Onslow regarding the first stage of contract works to build the community centre for the SnOasis village, which will include retail shops, medical units and a police station.

Completion is expected in the second quarter of 2014.