WORCESTER'S new £10.4 million swimming pool is about to get the green light - with planning chiefs set to give it the nod next week.

The eight-lane pool, proposed as an extension to Perdiswell Leisure Centre, is now just one length away from being built.

The city council's planning committee is meeting next Thursday where it will be asked to grant final approval for the massive project.

If planning permission is granted, the council’s Conservative leadership is expected to meet in July and a contractor is being appointed which will start the building work before the end of the year.

If all goes according to plan, the pool will open its doors at the start of 2017.

Councillor David Wilkinson, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "It’s been a long road getting to this point, but the pool that Worcester deserves is almost within touching distance.

"This new pool would be a major enhancement to Worcester’s growing reputation as a vibrant sporting city."

The proposed complex would boast an eight-lane 25-metre main pool with seating for 250 spectators, plus a dedicated viewing area for disabled people.

It would host regional competitions, but would also be suitable for swimmers of all abilities, with a depth ranging from one metre to two metres.

There would also be an 18m x 10m learner pool with a moveable floor, suitable for everyone from toddlers to pensioners.

The revamped Perdiswell complex would also boast studio space, 120 gym stations and a cafe, with a refurbishment of the existing sport hall to follow once the pool is complete.

The existing swimming pool at Sansome Walk will continue to operate until the new Perdiswell facility is completed, and after that it will be sold off and demolished.

A leisure partner is currently recruited to operate the new pool alongside St John’s Sports Centre and Nunnery Wood Sports Complex.

The meeting next Thursday gets underway from 1.30pm at the Guildhall, with the report saying the new pool would bring "great benefits" to the city.

The entire project has been in the making for two years, with detailed debates about the cost and affordability.