Oldham Council has unveiled plans for a new £15m flagship leisure facility in its town centre, with hopes the complex could attract major televised sporting events.

The new Oldham Sports Centre, at the junction of Manchester Street and St Domingo Street, would replace the existing Lord Street facility in 2015 if planning is approved.

Oldham’s council leader Jim McMahon says the centre would represent a significant upgrade to current sporting facilities and shows how Oldham Council is being proactive in regenerating the borough – despite financial challenges.

“The new Oldham facility would have the correct specifications to attract major regional competitions in some sports,” he says.

“It would also be able to host much larger events than ever before, like Sky Sports boxing, and put us on the national sporting map.”

Proposals developed with construction firm Willmott Dixon will form the basis of a planning application in early February for the development at the junction of Manchester Street and St Domingo Street.

McMahon added: “Providing an Olympic legacy for our residents is a big priority for Oldham Council. It is about raising the aspirations of Oldham residents and improving their facilities as well.”

The plans include:

· A 25-m eight-lane swimming pool of county competition standard
· A separate learner pool
· Main pool seating gallery for 250 spectators
· 150-competitor seats at poolside
· Sauna and steam room
· Wet changing village
· Eight-court sports hall with flexible seating for 250 spectators
· 80-station fitness studio
· Spinning studio
· Two group exercise studios
· Separate changing facilities for dry sports and fitness suite
· Four-rink indoor bowls hall