Proposals for a new £3.8m leisure complex in St Helens, Merseyside, have taken a step forward after the local authority gave the scheme the green light.

The new Queens Park Leisure Centre will replace the town's existing facility at the Boundary Road site, and is set to include a five-lane, 25m swimming pool, changing rooms and a two-storey gym. A refurbished sports hall and a community meeting room have also been earmarked for the new complex, as well as a cafe with a pool viewing area.

St Helens Council's executive member for culture, heritage and sport, said: "Queens Park will provide a valuable new sporting facility underpinning the council's recently-launched Active St Helens Strategy. "This new facility will make a significant contribution towards getting more people active, improving their health and well-being of the wider community."

The project will now progress to the detailed design and tender stage, and the council has agreed a budget increase from £3.1m to £3.8m to take account of design alterations and inflation.