New council offices and leisure centre approved
South Derbyshire District CouncilNew council offices and a leisure centre in Swadlincote have been approved.
South Derbyshire District Council's development management committee had been recommended by officers to approve an application for the proposed development of the former Cadley Hill Colliery, and backed the decision at a meeting on Tuesday.
It will replace Green Bank Leisure Centre and offices in Civic Way in Swadlincote town centre, with the leisure centre set to include a 25m (82ft) pool, a teaching pool and a sports hall among its facilities.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the council aims to start work in September with an intention to have the new facilities opened in "early 2028".
This would be about the same time the authority is due to be abolished through local government reorganisation.
Overall the facility will cost £188m over a 50-year loan, with £3.4m in annual payments.
Robert Pearson, the district council leader, said the development "will deliver modern, high-quality leisure and community facilities that residents can be proud of".
"This development represents a major investment in health, wellbeing, sport and the future of Swadlincote," he said.
"The decision to increase the size of the sports hall demonstrates that we have listened carefully to the feedback we received and responded positively to it."
Listen to BBC Radio Derby on Sounds and follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
