WORK is set to begin on a £12 million leisure centre after the scheme was approved by council planners.

The state-of-the-art Health and Wellbeing Centre in the heart of Newcastle will have a raft of facilities.

And construction can now start on the site, at the former Subaru garage site in Brunswick Street, adjacent to Jubilee Pool, after permission was granted by Newcastle Borough Council's planning committee.

The centre will have a 25-metre swimming pool, learner pool, spectator gallery, changing facilities, climbing wall, fitness suite, children's activity room, dance studio and multi-purpose room.

Councillor Mary Maxfield, cabinet member for culture and active communities, said: "We have moved one step closer to providing high quality facilities fit for the 21st century."

The centre will replace the ageing Jubilee Pool and is scheduled to be completed before the end of next year.

The building is being designed with the environment in mind and could include features such as solar panels on the roof.

Other measures being explored include recycling of waste pool water to recover heat and to flush toilets.

Councillor Maxfield added: "This is one of the biggest projects the council has ever undertaken.

"It's not just about providing a gym and a pool – it's about high quality facilities that will make a difference to the all-round health of our residents."