Plans for a major new swimming pool and sports complex in Rochdale, Lancashire, have taken a step forward after the local authority set aside £8.2m for the scheme.

The new facility will replace the outdated Rochdale Baths on Entwisle Road, forming part of a wider £33.8m capital programme announced by Rochdale Borough Council (RBC) in July 2007 to coincide with the launch of cultural trust Link4Life. Link4Life managing director Craig McAteer said: "We are in the process of working with architects to update the original 2007 feasibility study. This is looking at plans for the centre, location and costs.

"Once all this is in place we will have a better idea of facilities that will be available and will be carrying out further consultation to get us to the final proposal." Other projects forming part of the capital programme include the £14m Middleton Arena, which opened in January 2009, a £300,000 extension to Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre and an £80,000 upgrade at Bowlee Park Sports Centre.

A planned £600,000 renovation of Littleborough Sports Centre and the construction of the £10.3m Sports, Culture and Leisure Viillage in Heywood - scheduled to be completed in autumn 2010 - are also among the borough-wide scheme.