The council's cabinet backed the facility mix for the scheme at a meeting on 10 August, which will incorporate 647sq m (6,964sq ft) of water space and an overall capacity for 223 swimmers.

When complete, the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre will include a 25m x 17m, eight-lane main swimming pool with 50 per cent moveable floor and a 17m x 10m learner pool with fully-moveable floor.

A 52sq m (560sq ft) confidence water area for toddlers is also proposed, in addition to a 200-station fitness suite with cycle spinning studio; a four-court sports hall; two exercise studios and a climbing wall.

A spa area and poolside health suite; a youth gym; a children's soft play area; a crèche and a café/bistro will complete the centre's line-up, which all featured among original plans approved in October 2009.

The cabinet has also requested the development of a draft operational plan for the facility to see how demand can be managed once it opens.

SACDC portfolio holder for sport and leisure Anthony Rowlands said: "Cabinet unanimously endorsed the existing Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre scheme which will provide an array of modern sporting and leisure facilities.

"Changing the plans would have landed residents with a bill of well in excess of £1m. Such a move would have also meant lengthy delays and running the risk of missing out on a highly competitive period for the construction industry which could reduce the bill for the council."