Nottingham City Council has been given the go-ahead to build a new leisure centre in Forest Fields.

The centre, which will be built on the Djanogly City Academy site off Gregory Boulevard, is set to replace the outdated Noel Street Leisure Centre as part of as part of an £18.5 million Leisure Centre Transformation Programme to provide fewer but better quality community leisure centres across the City.

The new facility, which will be managed by Nottingham City Council, will offer residents a 25 metre swimming pool, 50-station gym, multi-activity fitness studio and a sauna and steam room, as well as state-of-the-art changing facilties. For the first time the council will also collaborate with a school to make the Academy’s sports hall available to the public outside of teaching hours.

The project will require an investment of almost £6 million, with Neighbourhood Development Company contributing £2 million funding towards funding the new centre.

The proposals for the new facility will be taken to Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board on 16 December. If approved construction work will begin in January 2009, with completion due by the end of March 2010. It is planned to close Noel Street Leisure Centre when the new centre is open.

Portfolio Holder for Communities, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Dave Trimble, said: "I strongly believe that a better standard of service should be provided for both our existing and new leisure centre users to encourage more people to take part in leisure activities. This proposal will provide an excellent, modern facility for residents of Forest Fields and the surrounding areas to enjoy for years to come, as well as opening up quality school sports facilties to the public."