The council aims to appoint a contractor for the job by August next year and will now go-ahead and submit the scheme for planning.

Plans have been drawn up by Nottingham-based GT3 architects. If all goes to plan construction of the new larger leisure centre will start in October 2017.

At the heart of the centre would be an eight-lane 25m county-standard competition swimming pool with spectator seating for 250 people, as well as a leaderner pool with a moveable floor to allow for varying depths of water.

Other facilities proposed include a four court sports hall, two outdoor artificial five-a-side football pitches, a clip ‘n’ climb climbing wall, a 120-station health and fitness gym, two squash courts, three multi-activity studios, one spin studio, a sauna, steam room and cafe.

Cabinet member for property management, Trevor Bartlett, said: “This represents a major investment in the future of the district, and comes as a range of regeneration projects is transforming the area.

“The proposals provide for a fantastic new facility, and mean we’re set to deliver a new leisure centre to meet the needs of residents now and into the future to support the growing population in the district.”