The Angus Council have approved the proposed design and funding package for the new Montrose swimming pool.

The proposals for the £10m development have been the subject of over 12 months of consultation with the local community, user groups and national sports bodies.

Having been given the formal stamp of approval the project will now go out to tender, with a target completion date of 2012.

The council's Neighbourhood Services convener Jim Millar said he was proud that the council was delivering on its ambitious promise: "Angus Council made the bold decision to go ahead with the replacement of Montrose Swimming Pool despite the public sector being under the severest financial constraints.

"We took the decision because Montrose needs a new pool and we were confident that we could deliver on budget and on time. Now 16 months down the line and after a rigorous consultation exercise, we now have the design that will provide an excellent new facility for local people and an attraction for visitors for years to come."

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The new swimming pool will be adjoined to the existing Montrose Sports Centre, next to Montrose Academy in Marine Avenue and will be dual use; catering for the school and community during the day in term time, and community use in the evenings and at weekends.

The integrated building will have a new single entrance and reception area.

The main six lane pool will be 25m long, going from 1.2m to 2m deep. Adjacent to that will be a viewing gallery and a 7m x 3m studio pool with a moving floor to allow the pool depth to vary from 0m to 2m. The pools will accommodate swimming tuition at all levels, competitive swimming and training, water polo and play activities for different age groups.

The new facility will also have a health suite with a sauna, steam room and relaxation area. The first floor fitness suite will have up to 50 workout stations incorporating a range of cardiovascular, strength and free weights.

The overall facility will have two multi purpose rooms adjacent to each other, each able to accommodate classes of up to 50 people, which can also open up to create a larger single space. A further multi purpose room is being created for use as required for classes, a crèche, meeting room or a training/teaching area.

(GK/JM)