A town's leisure centre is set for a multi-million-pound upgrade after councillors gave the green light for the project.

They unanimously approved the plans, which will see Attleborough Leisure Centre get a single-storey extension as well as upgraded facilities costing about £2.6m.

It is hoped it will help boost the health and well-being of locals in the town.

Eastern Daily Press: What the new leisure centre could look likeWhat the new leisure centre could look like (Image: Breckland Council)

Tristan Ashby, Breckland Council’s executive member for health and communities, said: “This major investment will put new and improved leisure services right on the high street for residents in and around Attleborough, as well as benefiting the next generation through the school’s use of the facilities.

"I’m delighted we now have approval to go ahead, and I look forward to seeing our plans become reality over the next year or so.”

READ MORE: Attleborough Leisure Centre's proposed new-look revealed

Eastern Daily Press: A new gym space will be created as part of the upgradeA new gym space will be created as part of the upgrade (Image: Breckland Council)

During the planning committee, councillor Harry Clarke voiced his approval, hoping the scheme would bring benefit to the "health and wellbeing" of the local community, adding: "We all aspire to that and this is one of our great corporate objectives in Breckland."

The Queen's Square facility will see a new spin studio, community rooms, changing rooms and gym space created in the upgrade.

Previously the site was used exclusively by the adjoining Attleborough Academy but the project will open up the sports and leisure facilities to the wider community. 

Developers who are building houses on the outskirts of the town are expected to contribute about £1.7m to the cost with the remaining costs funded by Breckland Council and Attleborough Town Council.

Councillor Judy Anscombe questioned if there would be plans to increase the capacity of the leisure centre in the future to meet the needs of the town's growing population, although it was deemed not relevant to the current application.

There are hopes that more improvements at the site could be delivered soon, with plans to install a new 3G artificial football pitch next to the facility under way, with the council hoping to submit an application in "due course".