Image: A 455sq m fitness suite is planned

Work is to start on the erection of two inflatable sports domes - among the first in the UK - at a site in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, as part of a wider £7m development.

The largest of the two new facilities is to include six five-a-side or two seven-a-side pitches, while the second is aimed at golfers and will contain a putting course and chipping green.

Meanwhile, the existing Mayfair Centre at the Tees Road site will be turned into a new gym with membership for 2,000 people and will include a steamroom among its facilities.

The 455sq m (4,898sq ft) fitness suite will be equipped by Matrix, while there will also be a TRX suspension training zone.

A sensory room to stimulate disabled children and a 72sq m (775sq ft), 12-station gym for young people are also proposed in the Mayfair Centre renovation, as well as improved conference provision.

Entrepreneur Brian Morton is behind the scheme and said: "These domes are very popular in America where they are used by both amateur and professional sports people.

"They are incredibly versatile and will provide facilities that people won't have seen anywhere else in the country, let alone in the North East."

Nearly 250 houses will be built in partnership with Persimmon Homes and in a phased development over three years. Patrick Parsons and Collective Design are also involved.

Click here for more information about the Seaton Carew development.