The Abbey Leisure Centre in Selby, which was destroyed in February after a fire broke out in a sauna, will be rebuilt, the council has confirmed.

Selby District Council assessed various alternatives for the site, but has opted to start from scratch and create a leisure centre 'fit for the 21st century', including a new 25m six-lane swimming pool.

Council leader Mark Crane sais: “It'll be a real focus for the community and will help to revitalise leisure provision in the area. This doesn't just benefit Selby town; having this new facility on the doorstep will benefit people from across the district. It will be a real draw for the area.”

Project managers Turner & Townsend have estimated the build cost to be £9m, but the council has instructed officers to reduce the capital cost significantly during the design phase, without impacting on facilities. The maximum grant available will be sought from Sport England and the centre will be built to be as energy efficient as possible.