Members of South Oxfordshire District Council's (SODC) cabinet are to discuss plans for the development of a new £15m leisure centre in Didcot at a meeting later today (12 April).

The cabinet is being asked to agree in principle to the proposals, as well as to invest £60,000 from the provisional capital programme towards feasibility and procurement work.

According to a report to go before the committee, the minimum requirements of the planned new centre is that it includes a competition and training pool and leisure water.

The provision of a sports hall; squash courts; a gym; and a social facility are also supported, while members will be asked to consider artificial turf pitches and tennis courts.

If approved, initial work could start in late 2014 after a new leisure management contract, due to to commence on 1 September 2014, is awarded. The centre would then open in 2016.

The report said: "The need for additional leisure provision in Didcot to accommodate the needs of the increasing population was identified in the 2009 Didcot feasibility report and the council's 2011 leisure and facilities strategy."

Details: www.southoxon.gov.uk