Ashfield District Council is moving forward its plans to upgrade Hucknall Leisure Centre and build a second swimming pool.

The authority is starting procurement for the project – involving finding and approving builders to carry out the work.

It comes as part of a £22.5 million council investment into leisure facilities across the district, including the £15 million Kirkby Leisure Centre currently under construction.

The council granted the operating contract to its existing provider, Everyone Active, earlier this year and is now to go to tender to find a developer for the project.

Under the proposals, the second swimming pool will be created alongside a revamped fitness suite, improvements to group exercise studios and an improved reception area.

A meeting of the authority's cabinet on Monday (September 20) confirmed the authority has reached the stage where a planning application can officially be lodged.

Once a developer has been found, progress can then be made on moving forward with the improvements.

Councillor Rachel Madden (Ash Ind), the portfolio holder for leisure, health and wellbeing, brought the report before cabinet members.

She said: "The council is progressing with the design and development of the second swimming pool at Hucknall and has been working with [operator] Everyone Active.

"The council has reached RIBA 3 status and has now reached the stage where we can submit a planning application for the works.

"Along with the development of the second swimming pool facility, the developer will see the transformation of the wet change facilities into a modern, village-style solution, along with vehicle charging points and solar panels on the roof."

The council confirmed in February the leisure centre will become "more inclusive", offering sensory equipment in its swimming pools, an online activity offer and community programmes.

Concessionary rates for "priority" groups will continue, and the works will include apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering opportunities for Ashfield residents.

Cllr John Wilmott (Ash Ind), the portfolio holder for licencing, environmental health and regulatory services, also represents Hucknall North.

He said: "It's something close to my heart as a Hucknall councillor, and I welcome this report.

"With the new fitness suite, the new changing facilities, the new reception area and the extension of an extra swimming pool, it's the icing on the cake."

The council's £22.5 million bring the Hucknall plans alongside separate improvements to Sutton's Lammas Leisure Centre.

And it comes alongside the wider investment into the new Kirkby Leisure Centre, where work is well underway in Hodgkinson Road ahead of its opening date next year.

Everyone Active, the authority's leisure provider, agreed to its new contract with the council in April 2021 and will continue running the district's leisure centres for the next decade.