A new health and community facility is set to be built as part of a scheme to rejuvenate the Central Whinney Banks in Middlesbrough, after the local authority backed the proposals.

The plans for the new venue, which will be situated at Acklam Green and are part of the New Deal for Communities programme, were given the support of Middlesbrough Council's executive in October. The new three-storey venue will boast meeting rooms, changing facilities for adjacent sports pitches, a range of youth services and space for community activities and functions.

West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT), Tees Valley Housing, Middlesbrough Council and Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust are working in partnership on the scheme. Situated next to the Whinney Banks School on land owned by the council, a 99-year lease has been granted to WMNT to operate the building to replace the existing Whinney Banks Youth and Community Facility, which will be demolished as part of the proposals.

Interim arrangements for the local community will also be provided, funded jointly by Middlesbrough Council and WMNT. Brian Lord, chair of WMNT's board of directors, said: "WMNT's commitment to the completed development of Central Whinney Banks and the provision of much-needed health and community facilities has never wavered.

"The commitment of all partners to the maintenance high quality service provision throughout the build will mean that interim youth service support is a priority, as are the requirements of library users and other groups."