Coventry could soon have its first purpose-built public leisure centre for over a decade.

Coventry City Council has passed plans which could see a new £4million centre created in Foleshill.

The council already has £748,000 of funding secured through the single regeneration budget and may apply for a grant from the National Lottery.

Tim Bryan, head of Sports and Parks, said the council was exploring two options to achieve the new centre.

He said:

"We are looking at a new centre being on the Foleshill Gasworks site potentially funded as part of the new arena project. But, at the same time, we are also going to explore to the same level of detail the possibility of building the new facility near the existing leisure centre in Livingstone Road.

"That would require a National Lottery grant and involve the purchase of a site. We want to keep both options running alongside each other. Some current users have indicated they would prefer a new centre near the existing one."

The new centre would include a 25-metre swimming pool, a sports hall, a health and fitness suite and, possibly, some outdoor facilities.

The council is also to appoint a Sports Development Officer for the area, with a brief to organise events and test public requirements for the new centre.

Bryan added:

"We will want them to work with the local community to find out their feelings about a new centre and what they would want from one. The officer will also help organise sports and leisure activities with the community."