PROPOSALS for a �6m refurbishment of Lowestoft's main sports centre are set to take a major step forward this week.Members of Waveney District Council's development control committee will meet tomorrow to vote on the ambitious plans for the Water Lane Sports Centre, which will feature upgrades to its swimming pool and sports hall.

PROPOSALS for a �6m refurbishment of Lowestoft's main sports centre are set to take a major step forward this week.

Members of Waveney District Council's development control committee will meet tomorrow to vote on the ambitious plans for the Water Lane Sports Centre, which will feature upgrades to its swimming pool and sports hall.

Planning officials have recommended that councillors vote in favour of the proposals, which will also see floor space increase by 1,500sq m and the creation of a second floor at the district-council run centre.

A report to committee members says: 'The proposed extension/refurbishment of the existing leisure centre, together with the creation of a new landscaped public realm at the front, on the southern side of the building, will enhance both the appearance of the host building and provide improved sport, leisure and recreational facilities for residents and visitors to the Lowestoft area.'

The revamp of the centre, which was opened in 1976, has been designed to tie in with major improvements to the nearby Lowestoft College site, which will include a new sixth-form centre.

The report adds: 'The rejuvenated and expanded leisure centre will offer and range of enhanced facilities, such as fitness, relaxation, dance, sports, gym and play areas, together with a larger caf�/restaurant …

'The proposal seeks both to rejuvenate and to upgrade the currently dated leisure centre to create a new, modern leisure facility. The two storey extension to the core of the building will develop a landmark building …'

The first hurdle in the planned redevelopment was cleared last month when the council landed a �1m Sport England grant to improve the centre's swimming pool.

Funding for the entire project is likely to come from a number of sources, including possible partnerships with the private sector.

Council officials previously told the EDP that the project could get under way this autumn and would take between a year and 18 months to complete.

The development control committee takes place at Beccles Public Hall, in Smallgate, from 6pm, tomorrow.