St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) has earmarked £16.7m towards a new leisure centre in its corporate plan and budget for 2011-16.

The funding will go towards the development of the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, work on which is already underway ahead of a scheduled completion date in 2012. Cabinet members also approved investment for a new leisure facility at Cotlandswick, London Colney, as part of 'priority' plans to enhance local provision over the next five years.

However, the corporate plan and budget - due to go before full council on 23 February - has set out plans to achieve overall savings of £2.2m between 2011-16. In a report put before the cabinet, the council has agreed to "providing a new leisure centre, pool, spa and youth facilities at Westminster Lodge by 2012 and a sports facility in London Colney".

S&P Architects are behind the design of the Westminster Lodge facility, which will boast a 500sq m (5,382sq ft) spa area with a 60sq m (646sq ft) terrace overlooking the nearby abbey. A total of 647sq m (6,964sq ft) of water space and an overall capacity for 223 swimmers will also be provided, along with a 200-station fitness suite with cycle spinning studio.

Image: SACDC has earmarked funding for the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre