PLANS for the new Bulmershe Leisure Centre have been submitted.

Residents are being encouraged to give their feedback on the plans, which would include a six-lane 25m swimming pool and teaching pool, featuring movable floors to allow larger numbers of groups and ages to use the facility.

If the plans are approved, the £14million centre, in Woodlands Avenue, would also feature a bigger gym, a four-court sports hall, an additional studio and a cafe.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is now holding a consultation over the plans which runs until May 21.

The current site, which was built in the 1970s, is due to close this Friday (27), with a soft-strip demolition due to begin on May 1. A full demolition is set to start in late July to coincide with the school holidays to avoid disrupting neighbouring schools.

The council hopes the new facility will benefit the whole community, as well as the neighbouring schools, by creating the most up-to-date, accessible and flexible facilities that will not only encourage and empower the whole community to take part in and enjoy a range of sports and activities, but also offer preventative health services.

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

Members and other users will be able to use the facilities at St Crispin's, Loddon Valley and Carnival Pool leisure centres.

It is hoped the new centre at Bulmershe will open towards the end of 2020, and will be run by the borough council's new provider, Places for People Leisure.

To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the borough council's website www.wokingham.gov.uk and enter planning application reference 180828.