Meadowside Leisure Centre in Burton, Staffordshire, is set to undergo a major transformation.

East Staffordshire Borough Council has revealed its initial plans and artists' impressions, produced by Maber Architects, of how the revamped leisure facility will look when it reopens in summer 2010.

The £5m scheme includes a refurbishment of the gym with upgraded equipment and studio facilities, improvements to toilets and changing rooms and the introduction of a new crèche and soft play area.

The front reception area will be glass-fronted and the rear of the building will feature large windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding Washlands area.

"We have had some interesting ideas come in through the consultation process, from the quality of the equipment and facilities available to the concerns that the building be made energy efficient," said councillor Bernard Peters, deputy leader for environment, health and leisure.

"I am delighted with the plans that have been put forward and I am really looking forward to seeing the final result."

The six to eight-month refurbishment is scheduled to kick off in October, when the facility will close for health and safety reasons.

In the meantime, the council aims to relocate the leisure centre's staff to positions elsewhere in the borough and find alternative facilities and venues for its existing customers.