Hillingdon Council has given the green light to amended plans for a new £15m leisure centre at Botwell, near Hayes.

The council has approved the inclusion of a large gymnastics hall, three retail units and a glazed atrium at the proposed facility, which will replace the existing Hayes Swimming Pool. Already included in the plans for the Botwell Green leisure centre is a 25m swimming pool, a four-court sports hall, a dance and exercise studio, two multi-use games areas and an all-weather football pitch with changing facilities.

A crèche, a 100-station fitness suite, a children's playground and catering facilities have also been earmarked as part of the plans for the new facility. The council approved the amendments on the condition that deliveries and collections will be restricted to avoid school drop-off and collection hours.

Work got underway on the new leisure centre in May, with the preliminary stages expected to last for 72 weeks. The facility is due to open in the autumn. Henry Higgins, the council's cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure, said: “Following on from our extensive Uxbridge lido development, we are pleased to be embarking on our second major leisure facility for Hillingdon as part of the council’s commitment to expanding leisure provision in the borough.

"Botwell Green is a £15m development and will provide 21st century leisure opportunities in the south of the borough which will benefit all our residents and become a legacy for future generations.”