Rotherham Borough Council, in South Yorkshire, is in the process of replacing its ten swimming pools as part of a £35m redevelopment scheme. The project will result in four new, larger, leisure centres and ten existing centres being closed.

When complete, three of the new facilities will become dual-use and relocated closer to secondary school campuses in order to build a stronger connection between education and leisure. The fourth facility, Rotherham Leisure Complex, is being built in the town centre's St Ann's car park.

The construction work is being carried out by Willmott Dixon.

Council leader Roger Stone, said: "The aim is to provide 21st century facilities to sweep away the old, outdated buildings, which are in such a poor condition." The existing swimming pools in the borough vary in age between 30 and 93 years.

When complete, the complex at St Ann's will feature three swimming pools - a six lane, 25m pool, a learners pool and a 70m flume. It will also include an indoor climbing tower, a multi-purpose sports hall, squash courts and a fitness suite.

The Maltby Leisure Centre will include a six-lane competition pool, a separate diving and teaching pool, a four-court sports hall and fitness suite.

The facility will also feature a Joint Service Centre, which is the first stage of a long-term strategy between the council and the Rotherham Primary Care Trust to create a one-stop-shop for health and local authority services. The centre is being supported by RBT Connect, a joint partnership between the council and BT, which will provide a new customer service centre.

The remaining two sites - the Aston Leisure Centre, in Aston-cum-Aughton, and the Wath Leisure Centre in Wath-upon-Dearne - will each include a five-lane pool, a learners pool and a fitness suite. Aston Leisure Centre will also boast a four-court sports hall.

The project is a joint public/private venture funded by the DCMS and the Department for Communities and Local Government through its private finance initiative (PFI). Funding has also been provided by the Lottery's New Opportunities for PE and School Sports fund, Rotherham Primary Care Trust and from the council's capital budget.

The council has also appointed DC Leisure to manage the centres, on a 32-year contract.

Phil Rogers, director of culture and leisure services at the council, said: "Work has begun on the new centres and is on target. Once completed the new leisure centres will be enjoyed by thousands of people, helping to improve their lives and well-being. We predict that the facilities will attract around a million visitors a year."

While the new centres are being built, the existing swimming pools and centres will remain open. As the four new facilities become available, all ten of the borough's existing leisure centres will close.

The Aston Leisure Centre will be the first to open in September, followed by Rotherham Leisure Complex in October and Wath Leisure Centre in December 2008. The Maltby Leisure Centre is expected to open in November 2009.