Leisure centre designs drawn up

Designs for a new £13m leisure centre in Northamptonshire are to be published in the autumn following the appointment of architects and a project team.

East Northamptonshire Council will fund the centre in Rushden with £11m and £2m from a regeneration fund.

The centre at Manor Park will replace two existing ones in need of upgrading.

It will have a six-lane 25m (81.25ft) swimming pool, four court sports hall, dance and exercise studios and a health and fitness suite.

David Oliver, chief executive, said: "We have brought on board highly experienced and respected consultants - FaulknerBrowns architects and Mace as project managers.

"This project represents the first stage of ambitious regeneration plans for Rushden and we look forward to sharing outline designs with residents in the autumn."