Plans to build a multi-million pound, dual-use sports centre at Uppingham School in Leicestershire have been submitted to Rutland County Council. The new facility will give members of the school and the community access to a modern sports building and will replace an ageing 70s centre.

Uppingham – a boarding school – was one of the first English schools to boast its own gymnasium and indoor swimming pool, so has a history of investment in sports facilities.

The new sports centre will include a six-lane, 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, gymnasium, three squash courts and a dance studio.

The plan is to build the centre on the school’s playing fields and to relocate the rugby pavilion. The current sports centre will be converted into a science block. The new facility is expected to open in 2010.