A report to the council's cabinet sets out ambitious plans for a state of the art ‘Life Centre’ which as well as being for local residents of all ages will be a regional centre attracting some of the South West's leading sportsmen and women.

The centre will replace the existing Central Park leisure pools and Mayflower Centre.

The ‘Life Centre’ will include an ice rink and spectator area, a 50-metre Olympic size pool, climbing area, an 8-rink bowling facility which will be one of the best in the region, a 12-court multi-sport hall and the largest public sector fitness suite in the city with well over 100 stations.

A café and crèche will also be included.

If approved, it is thought the project will go out to tender in the New Year and contractors will be appointed in the autumn.

Work is expected to begin in the winter with completion scheduled by the beginning of 2011.

Councillor Vivien Pengelly, leader of the council, said:

"The Life Centre has been a long time in the planning and we are delighted to finally see the vision becoming a reality. This is the biggest investment in leisure this city has ever seen and the Life Centre will be one of the best facilities of its kind in the country - a regional centre of excellence for swimming and diving, a top training venue and a citywide hub of sports, leisure and healthy living activities for people of all ages."