DURHAM'S ageing swimming pool could be replaced by a "healthy living centre'' with a wide range of facilities for health and fitness.

A new 25m main pool and a learner pool could be built on the site of the existing baths along with sauna, fitness areas, and facilities for sports medicine and health promotion.

The existing baths were built in 1932, but are now considered outdated. Maintenance costs are rising.

Now, the cash-strapped city council, which has made replacement of the baths a priority, is looking at a partnership with a company called Healthy Living Centres.

Today, the council's strategic policy committee will be recommended to back the idea of building a new complex.

Chief executive Colin Shearsmith said: "As a result of discussions with other bodies, it would seem the aim of the project would be based on need to promote overall quality of life for the community as a whole.

"The vision was of a facility which would generate a holistic approach to health and fitness involving both public and private sector partnerships.''

The council envisages that the project would involve Durham University, New College Durham, sports clubs, sports bodies and health and community groups.

GPs and health professionals could also be involved through things such as exercise prescription and cardiac rehabilitation at the centre.

The development would be paid for with private sector money, possibly with funding from the New Opportunities Fund and Sport England.

The council would provide the land "at market value".

Mr Shearsmith said: "The development of a healthy living centre in the city would achieve the long-term aim of the council in providing a modern public pool accessible to all at no cost to the council.''

Other facilities would help meet the Government's aim of improving people's health and fitness