A £10m leisure centre is being planned for Rushden, Northamptonshire.

East Northamptonshire Council and Rushden Town Council are working together to assess what needs to be included at the centre, which will replace the existing Splash Pool and the Pemberton Centre in Manor Park.

Andy Mercer, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “The new centre will replace the Splash Pool and Pemberton Centre, which both need upgrading, but which are short of space for expansion.

“It shows the value of the partnership between East Northamptonshire Council and Rushden Town Council, delivering something that neither could do it on its own.”

Colin Wright, leader of Rushden Town Council, added: “The new leisure centre will kick start a major town centre regeneration project planned for Rushden and we have already begun to make plans and seek investment for the other parts of the regeneration programme.”

The Splash Pool and Pemberton Centre will stay open until the new facility is completed, which is expected to be by early 2011.