A new £13m leisure centre is set to be developed in Rushden, Northamptonshire, after the scheme was given the green light by the local authority.

East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) approved plans for the new Manor Park Leisure Centre, having originally deferred its decision last month. The venue will incorporate a six-lane, 25m swimming pool and teaching pool and a fitness suite, as well as exercise studios and leisure water facilities - such as jets and fountains.

A six-court sports hall and a crèche are also included as part of the FaulknerBrowns Architects-designed plans, which will now go before the Government Office for the East Midlands for final approval. Manor Park Leisure Centre is set to replace the town's existing Splash Leisure Pool and Pemberton Centre, with up to £11m to be invested by the council.

North Northants Development Company (NNDC) has secured an additional £2m from the Government's Growth Fund, while £800,000 will be invested by the East Midlands Development Agency through Northamptonshire Enterprise. ENC leader Andy Mercer said: "This is excellent news for the town and I am extremely pleased that Rushden's regeneration is finally under way."

NNDC chief executive Simon Evans added: "The development will unlock sites in the town centre that will provide the catalyst for revitalising Rushden and help create opportunities for private sector investment."