The tendering process has begun for the Washington Leisure Centre in Sunderland.

The new facility is to be built on a site currently occupied by a skate park adjacent to the existing leisure centre.

Sunderland City Council expects construction to begin on the new centre in January 2014 and the existing Washington Leisure Centre will remain open until work is complete in 2015.

The council will appoint its preferred bidder for the facility this summer.

The Wheeled Sports Park will close from 25 February until it reopens in another location within Princess Anne Park in early July.

Cabinet member for public health, wellness and culture John Kelly said: "The relocation of the skatepark means that we can go ahead with building the new leisure centre before the old one closes, which is good news for leisure centre users.

"We're hoping the relocated skatepark will be ready in time for the schools breaking up for the summer holidays."

Earlier this month the council revealed it planned to close the Crowtree Leisure Centre to make way for retail space.

Since 2004 the council has invested more than £60m in sport and leisure facilities including the Sunderland Aquatic Centre, new swimming at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre and a replacement pool and wellness centre for the Coalfields area.