MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform Haltemprice Leisure Centre are being recommended for approval.
East Riding Council has proposed a £6m scheme, which will see other services, such as a GP surgery and library, under the same roof.
The plans, due before the Western Area Planning Sub-Committee tomorrow has been recommended for approval by officers.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby, leader of the council, said Haltemprice was the most well-used leisure centre in the East Riding with more than 1.1 million visitors last year.
He said: "The refurbishment would put it at the forefront of leisure facilities in the UK.
"If granted, work could start on site in spring next year.
"These will be phased to minimise disruption as much as possible and will take about 20 months to complete, with the final element of the work completed in autumn 2014."
The plans seek to approve a two- storey extension to provide a library and customer service centre at ground level and gymnasium on the first floor.
A doctor's surgery would also be relocated to the Springfield Way site in Anlaby.
The pool and sports halls will be renovated, the tone zone fitness suite extended, a new café installed and the outdoor pitches refurbished.
There will also be the addition of a further 51 car parking spaces.
Centre manager Tony Clarkson said the work could be complete by 2014 – 40 years since the centre was opened.
He said: "Sir Roger Bannister opened the building in 1974.
"There has been quite a bit of work in the past. Six years ago, there was a major squash court refurbishment, which cost £500,000.
"With the age of the building, it is due a refurbishment and efficiencies can be made to the running costs.
"I'm looking forward to the changes and so are the staff and users.
"People will be able to have a swimming lesson and straight after go to the library for a book or go to the customer service centre."
Hundreds of people have attended a public exhibition for the scheme, which forms part of the council's capital investment programme, with the majority impressed by the plans.
There were some concerns the skate park could be affected by the plans.
Mr Clarkson, who has been manager for almost 11 years, said: "We see the play park and skate park as assets.
"We might change the skate park around but it will have no detrimental impact.
"We might shift it slightly and make the access point Gorton Road, but that will be for the safety of the users.
"At the public exhibition, we received positive feedback and the plans seemed to be well-received.
"Many wait in anticipation for the work to start."
The plans have received backing from Anlaby with Anlaby Common and Kirk Ella Parish Councils, the Environment Agency and Sport England.
Councillor Val Wood, vice-chairman of Anlaby with Anlaby Common Parish Council, said although they support the plans, she does have a few concerns.
She said: "My slight concern is from an access point of view.
"There are a lot of elderly people in Anlaby and young families who might find it a struggle getting to Haltemprice Leisure Centre from the centre of Anlaby.
"There is no bus from the centre of Anlaby to Haltemprice.
"It will be useful having the GP surgery, library, customer service centre on the same site as the leisure centre."
