PLANS to replace Bulmershe Leisure Centre with a state-of-the-art facility have gathered momentum.

The £14m transformation of the outdated centre is progressing well, as all of the non-structural items have been removed from the building.

Wokingham councillors are hoping to rejuvenate leisure facilities throughout the borough by investing in modern equipment and helping residents to stay active.

The proposals include a sports hall, 25m six-lane swimming pool and a café following a public consultation in 2016.

The planning application for the new leisure centre was submitted in April and is expected to be finalised soon.

Councillor Norman Jorgensen, executive member for leisure, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the journey to create this state-of-the-art leisure provision in Woodley and North Earley.

“Thank you to everyone who took part in the community sessions and consultation at the beginning of the year and to those of you who gave us feedback on the planning application as part of the statutory consultation.

"Telling us what would most encourage you to use the new centre has helped us design something that is right for the community.

“The new centre is another huge investment, part of a range of new leisure facilities we are providing in the Wokingham Borough, to help everyone live healthy and active lives.”

While the new centre is being built, former Bulmershe users can use the facilities at the St Crispin’s, Loddon Valley and Carnival Pool leisure centres.

It is hoped the new centre will open towards the end of 2020 and will be operated by Places for People Leisure.

The current site, which was built in the 1970s, closed at the end of April to allow demolition works to be carried out in July.

Graham Ebers, director of corporate services and deputy chief executive at the council, added: "We are pleased to have got to this stage and believe this rebuild, if approved, would provide a fantastic upgraded facility for the community."

Councillors conducted extensive consultation sessions with residents and regular users of the leisure centre to identify how money should be invested.