A multi-million-pound pool and leisure facility for Ingleby Barwick is to be built next to All Saints Academy and could be open by the summer of 2017.
Following discussions with the Diocese of York, Stockton Council has identified the preferred site on Blair Avenue.
The authority earmarked £3.2m towards the proposed centre in October, and next week the council’s Cabinet will be asked to recommend that the council commits a further £7m to progress the scheme.
Headteacher at All Saints Academy, Kevin Mann, said: “We are delighted to be involved in a project which will significantly enhance the facilities available to the people of Ingleby Barwick and would intend to make good use of the facilities ourselves for the benefit of our students.”
The new £10m centre is one of a series of proposed investments designed to support growth in the south of the borough.
In addition, £19m of improvements are already planned to the highways network in the south of the borough over the next two years.
Stockton Council leader, Councillor Bob Cook, said: “Stockton is a growing and thriving borough and a growing population means a growing demand for services as well as a need for us to ensure we improve our infrastructure to keep pace with the change.
“Ingleby Barwick has experienced huge growth over the years but lacks local public leisure facilities, particularly local access to a community swimming pool.
“What we are proposing will address that gap in provision and we are delighted with the support we have received from the Diocese of York, the Academy and its governors.
“The financial commitment needed to turn this vision into a reality will be considered as part of our Medium Term Financial Plan.”
Ingleby councillor Ken Dixon, who is also Cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture, added: “We are looking at a centre with a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, fitness rooms, library and customer service point and associated parking.
“Our intention would be to consult with local people to identify the precise mix of facilities on offer in the building.
“Local people have been calling for this kind of facility for some time and I’m sure they will be encouraged that we are now making strides to deliver one.”
The Medium Term Financial Plan will be considered by Full Council on Wednesday, February 25. If the funding is agreed, work could start on site early next year with the facility opening in summer 2017.
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