Droitwich Leisure Centre is to be demolished making way for a new £25million site.

The current centre, on Briar Mill, is more than 40 years old and has been deemed not fit for purpose to meet the demands of modern leisure centre.

Wychavon District Council has given the green light to work up plans to build a new leisure centre, expected to cost between £20 and £25million pounds.

Councillor Chris Day, executive board member for housing, health and wellbeing, said: "This is an exciting proposal which can deliver a much-needed, modern and fit-for-purpose facility to meet Droitwich Spa's leisure needs for the next 30 years and another example of our commitment to investing in supporting our residents' health and wellbeing.

“I look forward to seeing the full, detailed plan in due course."

According to the council, the current centre no longer meets modern energy efficiency standards.

Furthermore, a recent condition report found that the centre was “showing signs of its age and operating way beyond its expected lifespan”.

One particular issue noted was with the technology used to heat the swimming pool, due to difficulty finding parts.

The council has also explained that a refurbishment is not an option as it would require major construction, which would close the centre for up to 18 months.

Now, the council will begin exploring the construction of a new centre at the back of the current site and the older 3G pitch in Salwarpe Valley.

The proposed centre would have the same facilities as Evesham Leisure Centre but with a six-lane swimming pool, seating for about 200 spectators, and two squash courts and may include a multi-level soft play facility and large café.

It would also be built to modern energy-efficiency standards with the potential to “significantly” reduce its carbon emissions or even make it carbon neutral.

The existing centre will not be demolished until the new site is completed and will make way for increased car parking.

At an executive board meeting, councillors agreed to spend up to £500,000 on a feasibility study to explore the proposal in more detail and come up with a final option for approval.