Exeter City Council has approved measures to spend an extra £11.8m on the environmentally 'super efficient' leisure complex planned for the city's St Sidwell’s Point.

The centre, which was initially expected to cost in the region of £26.5m, will be part of a larger, £300m regeneration project of the city centre, which will also include a new multi-use entertainment venue, two hotels, restaurants and cafés and housing – as well as a new bus station.

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

Exeter City Council CEO Karime Hassan said: “The development concept provides a mix of uses that will complement the High Street, supporting both the daytime and night time economy, and responds to the demand for housing and offices within the city centre.

“This is a major and vital investment in a key site, adding almost a million square feet of additional development.

"Everyone knows the difficulties retail is facing. We need to ensure Exeter city centre is viable, sustainable and continues to thrive, and this investment is crucial for the city.”