Revised plans for a new £44m academy and leisure centre in Consett, County Durham, have been given the green light after the local authority pledged to bridge a funding gap.

Durham County Council (DCC) has agreed to provide up to £5m to help ensure the Consett Academy development moves forward, despite a reduction in government funding. A £14.8m leisure centre will be developed at the Belle Vue site as part of the scheme and will feature a 25m swimming pool and a learner pool.

The local football club will be relocated and an existing civic centre building will be flattened, although Consett Rugby Club will remain on site. Meanwhile, DCC has also confirmed that New College Durham is to be the lead sponsor of the new Consett Academy, which is scheduled to open in 2014.