A town's swimming aspirations have moved a step closer after councillors gave the green light to support a £11m project to build a new pool.

Members of North Norfolk District Council heaped praise on the scheme at Fakenham Sports and Leisure Centre, which has been made possible thanks to government funding.

The extension to the centre, which will be built at Trap Lane Recreation Ground, next to the current building, will include a new 25-metre swimming pool and a multi-use games area.

Eastern Daily Press: Fakenham Sports and Fitness Centre is to get £9.9m towards a new swimming poolFakenham Sports and Fitness Centre is to get £9.9m towards a new swimming pool (Image: Everyone Active)

Councillor Liz Vickers, speaking in the absence of Fakenham councillor Chris Cushings, said: "This will bring incredible benefits to the town and surrounding area.

"Fakenham has been without swimming facilities for a decade now. Knocking on people's doors and meeting with residents showed there was a huge desire for a new pool."

Eastern Daily Press: Liz Vickers, North Norfolk district councillor for Lancaster South wardLiz Vickers, North Norfolk district councillor for Lancaster South ward (Image: North Norfolk District Council)

Jeremy Punchard added: "Swiming education has been missing in the area for quite some time so this is a much needed and well thought through project."

The scheme is made possible thanks to a £9.9m allocation of the government's levelling up fund, as well as additional money from Section 106 payments and from the Football Foundation. 

Any shortfall will be covered by the NNDC through borrowing.

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Councillors voted unanimously to proceed with the project, and consultation work will now begin.

Eastern Daily Press: Steve Blatch and Steve Hems will be attending Fakenham Town Council to present to them the details of the report for the project Steve Blatch and Steve Hems will be attending Fakenham Town Council to present to them the details of the report for the project (Image: Aaron McMillan)

It is estimated the swimming pool and 3G pitch could be delivered by March 2026.

The funding announcement came as a big surprise to the council.

It had initially asked the government for money in 2021, but it missed out on cash from the flagship levelling up fund when announcements were made in January.

It was also not included on a list of 55 schemes to get a share of £1bn a week prior to the announcement last month, which came as part of chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement.