A £3 million pound deal to improve sporting facilities across Worcester will include a major revamp of the Sansome Walk swimming pool.

City council officers have begun negotiations with sports specialists Leisure Connection to run Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Worcester Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre and the health and fitness suites at Nunnery Wood Sports Complex and St John's Sports Centre.

They believe the new contract would ensure the facilities benefit from significant capital investment.

In addition, the council hopes that the new contract would allow it to make savings each year.

Derek Prodger, the council's portfolio holder for community services, welcomed the move.

"This is exciting news because council leisure facilities in Worcester play an important role in many people's lives," said the former city mayor.

"That's why we are working to negotiate a management contract that will improve the services both now and in the future. Top of my list is Sansome Walk baths, where we intend to revamp the reception area, changing rooms, showers and catering facilities.

"I hope that Worcester will have a brand new pool complex and fitness facilities within the next decade."

Allan Stuttard, head of cultural services, said there had been a lot of interest from potential management companies from all over the country.

"We feel that Leisure Connection, who manage in excess of 120 centres across the UK, are best placed to make the investments and improvement we need in Worcester."

If negotiations are successful, Leisure Connection will take over the management of the facilities in October 2002. It is hoped they will start work on the pool immediately.

Dawn Jackson, marketing director for Leisure Connection, revealed that a new gym comprising Harpers Fitness Club will be installed at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.

They company would replace management contractors Glendale Leisure, who now run Perdiswell Leisure Centre and the Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre.