A proposal for a “super-efficient” multi-million pound leisure centre with health and spa facilities has been approved by Exeter City Council.

The facility – which is expected to cost in the region of £26.5m – will be developed on the site of the Devon town’s bus station and funded entirely by the local authority. A new bus station will also be built on the site – also funded by the council.

St Sidwell’s Point Leisure Complex will include an eight-lane main pool, a learner pool with moveable floors, a 150-station gym, a soft play area, a cafe and a creche.

The centre will also be the UK’s first to be built to super-efficient low energy Passivhaus standard, saving “around 70 per cent on annual fuel costs”.

Work on the centre is expected to begin in spring 2017, with winter 2018 earmarked for completion.

Phil Bialyk, lead councillor for the redevelopment, said: “There is still a lot of work to do, but we are a step closer to creating these exciting developments, which will be a major asset to Exeter city centre.”