A MULTI-million pound swimming pool, gym and leisure centre could be built in Radcliffe next year.

Council chiefs are in talks to secure funding for the state-of-the-art facility, which would replace the centre in Green Street.

The main swimming pool at the 45-year-old Radcliffe Leisure Centre has been shut since December last year, when severe weather damaged windows and dislodged asbestos.

During repairs it was discovered the concrete columns and steelwork of the pool’s structure were decaying and corroded due to years of exposure to water.

With repair work expected to spiral to at least £1.5 million and the main pool to remain shut into next year, it has been decided to demolish the centre and start again.

It is understood the project is to be funded through a mixture of government grants, council capital and borrowing, but still needs to get the go ahead.

However, at a meeting of the Radcliffe Township Forum last Thursday, where the announcement was made, Cllr Rishi Shori said he was “confident” the scheme would come to fruition.

Cllr Shori, Radcliffe West councillor and deputy leader of Bury Council, said: “I can confirm Radcliffe will not be left without a pool indefinitely.

“Repairs are set to cost at least £1.5 million, and we would look to put that £1.5 million towards building a completely new facility.

“I am at least 60 per cent sure we will get the funding.”

Architectural plans are currently being drawn up for the new leisure centre, which will feature a swimming pool, conference centre and learning pods for community use.

Work is hoped to begin in January and while construction is ongoing, a pop-up temporary pool, larger than the one currently located at Broad Oak Sports College in Bury, will be installed at Radcliffe Riverside High, which closed down this summer.