COUNCILLORS and officials are confident they can reach a deal to secure the land for a £12m swimming pool and sports hall in Durham City.

Liberal Democrat-run Dur- ham City Council has earmarked part of Durham Sixth Form College's playing fields, in Providence Row, for the development which will replace the city's 1931-built baths, in Old Elvet.

The land is owned by Labour-controlled Durham County Council and yesterday, as architects gave city councillors a presentation on their design for the county's 25 metre, eight-lane, competition standard pool, it was revealed that an agreement had yet to be reached for the land.

City council executive director David Marrs said the county was backing the scheme in principle and negotiations were continuing to secure the land for free, in exchange for schools' free or discounted use of the complex.

City cabinet member for environment and leisure, Carol Woods, said: "I understand the county council are supporting the project and I am confident it will go ahead. The county accepts that the city needs a new swimming pool.''

She said it would be the only pool of that standard in County Durham - a lack highlighted by bodies including the Sports Council - and the estimated £380,000 annual subsidy needed would be covered by "efficiency savings".

Designers William Saunders Partnership said the pool would minimise energy use.

A sports hall, operated by Competition Line UK, fitness suite and dance area will be on the first floor.

A planning application could be submitted next month and the city council hopes the pool will be open by Easter 2008.

A county council spokes-man said it was still negotiating with the city council.