A new indoor ski centre could be built at Sunderland's Stadium Village as part of multi-million pound development proposals set to be discussed by the local authority.

A blueprint for the Stadium Village site - the area that surrounds the city's Stadium of Light venue - will be considered by Sunderland City Council's (SCC) cabinet on 4 November. The development could also boast an ice rink, additional leisure facilities, specialist sports retail outlets, bars and restaurants as part of attempts to revitalise the area between Hay Street and the Metro line.

SCC and regeneration agency Sunderland arc are behind the proposed scheme, which will complement the existing Stadium of Light and £20m Sunderland Aquatics Centre, as well as forming part of the wider revamp of the area. SCC leader Paul Watson said: "It is the ambition of the City Council and Sunderland arc to secure a real snow ski centre for the site and the 'strong interest' from developers is very encouraging.

"A unique facility like an indoor ski slope with snow would enhance the great sporting venues already on offer and play a huge part in boosting the city's role as a visitor destination." David Walker, Sunderland arc chief executive, added: "There is currently no facility like this in the North East. Stadium Village is a prime location for an indoor ski slope and would position Sunderland as a major sporting venue for the region.

"We have already received strong interest from leisure developers across the country who are excited by the potential Stadium Village brings. We will be officially launching this site to the market early next year, which will enable us to bring forward the scheme with an appointed leisure developer."