A public consultation will be held in Scunthorpe later this month to discuss the six shortlisted entries in the competition to design a multi-million pound sports academy at Brumby Hall.

Comments arising from the consultation will then be passed on to a North Lincolnshire Council panel, which will decide the future of the project on 27 September.

The scheme, estimated to cost around £5m, attracted bids from 45 interested parties before the number was whittled down to six.

The winning entry, which must also include improvements to Scunthorpe’s Central Park, will then form the basis of a bid for funding from Yorkshire Forward – the local Regional Development Agency – which must be submitted by 6 October. Even if the bid is successful, the bulk of the funding will come from the council.

Liz Redfern, leader of the council, said: “A North Lincolnshire-wide sports academy will give this area a facility it has lacked for far too long. It represents a massive investment and we must get it right.

“The consultation with the public is key. Hopefully as many people as possible will have their say on the shortlisted entries so we can move forward with a scheme which commands widespread public support.”

The shortlisted entries will be on display from 18-24 September at various locations in Scunthorpe. Details: www.northlincs.co.uk