Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) has acquired 0.8-acres (0.3-hectares) of land off Field Lane, Belper, to progress the development of a new leisure centre for the town.

The deal was concluded for £1.136m from existing local authority resources, with the land bought from a private owner. The development site is now a total of 2.1 acres (0.8 hectares).

Healey Associates are behind the design of the new facility, which will include a 70-station fitness suite and a health suite with treatment rooms and a sauna.

A 25m, six-lane swimming pool and a teaching pool are also proposed as part of the project, although the plans will be subject to further consideration before receiving approval.

AVBC cabinet member for active and healthier places Chris Short said: "The project always has been and will continue to be progressed on a step-by-step basis, so that the council is only committed to each step.

"Our next step will be to establish funding opportunities to build the facility itself, and then to meet the future leisure needs of the people of Belper and surrounding areas."