FURTHER plans for the £3m refurbishment of a North-East leisure centre were revealed by officials yesterday.

During the scheme, at Darlington's Dolphin Centre, the changing rooms and fitness studios will be altered, meeting and conference facilities will be improved.

The town's registry office and marriage hall will also be based there.

Proposals for the scheme were revealed at the end of last year.

At a meeting in the town hall yesterday, the authority's assistant leisure and arts director gave councillors a progress report.

Steve Thompson said improvements to the swimming pools' changing areas were considered key.

He said: "The wet changing area will be refurbished to provide a family changing facility.

"It becomes a changing village, like anyone will have seen if they have visited Center Parcs, etc.

"It is proposed that the area be fully staffed. Vandalism and cleanliness have been key areas to address as a result of customer feedback."

He also said the central staircase would be moved to create a large lobby area at the entrance. The kitchen facilities would also be moved as part of plans to create a ground-floor cafe and bar.

The centre could become a central point for people to book tickets for shows and events at the town's Arts Centre and Civic Theatre.

Mr Thompson said: "A front box office operation can be part of the reception and customer services area within the Dolphin Centre."