Leeds City Council has agreed plans to build a new £9.7m swimming pool at the University of Leeds.

The council approved a contribution of up to £1.5m towards the project to ensure that the pool is open to the public, as well as university students, for at least 42 hours a week.

As well as an eight-lane, 25m pool with moveable floor, the facility will include a 200-station fitness suite overlooking the pool, a sauna, a steamroom and a café.

Professor Stephen Scott, the university’s pro-vice chancellor for students and staff, said: “It’s great to be able to share our facilities with the local community and we’re delighted the council has helped us open up the campus to more people.”

Leader of the council, Andrew Carter, added: “We have kept our pledge to secure city centre swimming and gym facilities for the people of Leeds at affordable prices.

“We also have the brand new Olympic-sized swimming pool and diving centre at the John Charles Centre for Sport opening later this year.”