St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) has confirmed that two additional swimming pool lanes will be added as part of the £24m Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre scheme.

Earlier this month, councillors agreed to move forward with the S&P Architects-designed project after considering the findings of a review of its business case, commissioned following May's local elections. Members of SACDC's cabinet noted a need for increased water space to meet demand and sought extend the 25m swimming pool to include 10 lanes if savings could be made.

The council has now announced that it has agreed savings with contractor Willmott Dixon to provide the extra capacity - adding an extra 100sq m (1,076sq ft) of pool space. However, the alterations means that there will be insufficient space for the poolside health suite. Savings have also been made in construction materials and finishes.

SACDC portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage Mike Wakely said: "To make major changes to engineering works is extremely challenging at any time, but particularly so while the building's piled foundations are being built. "However, with full appreciation to Willmott Dixon's project manager and all involved, a deal to widen the main pool to ten lanes has been finalised."

Facilities at the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre will also include a 500sq m (5,382sq ft) spa area with 60sq m (646sq ft) terrace overlooking the nearby abbey.