A planning application for an £11m leisure centre in Washington, near Sunderland, has been unveiled by Sunderland City Council.

The centre will include a six lane, 25m pool, a four court sports hall, a multi-purpose sports hall, two squash courts, sauna, steamrooms and relaxation area, a soft play centre and football pitches. A wellness centre will comprise a 100-station gym, spinning studio, exercise studio and two consultation rooms.

Pellikaan Construction has already been appointed and the centre could be up and running in 2015. The project will be funded by the council’s £60m capital programme fund.

Councillor John Kelly, portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture says: “Washington Leisure Centre is an ageing facility and this investment is designed to help secure new and high quality facilities for many years to come.”