The project for Northumberland County Council will see the existing Ponteland leisure centre demolished and replaced by a new facility integrated with a secondary and primary school .

The campus, designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, will be home to a 1,600-place secondary school and 6th form, created alongside a 420-place primary school and nursery.

The adjoining leisure building will provide a 25m six lane swimming pool, gym, sports hall, badminton courts and outdoor sports fields,with two full size 3G pitches and a library.

Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the North said: “We have developed a proposal based on the needs of the community and providing a range of facilities which will not only benefit the pupils from the schools but also local people for years to come.”

Paul Richardson, partner of FaulknerBrowns Architects said: “This type of integrated facility is unique in the region and will offer outstanding learning, leisure and sporting opportunities for the whole community.”