INITIAL plans for a long-awaited redevelopment of Dovercourt swimming pool have been unveiled.

They include an extension to include a new ground floor fitness studio and a complete revamp of the changing rooms.

The plans have been drawn up by officers at Tendring District Council ahead of a cabinet meeting to be held on January 23.

They also include proposals for a “village style” unisex changing facility, with provision for group changing and an accessible shower room.

If all cabinet members agree to the proposals the work is estimated to take 12 months to carry out after final designs are approved.

The move follows a public consultation carried out last summer asking residents to have their say on improving council run facilities.

The report says consultation feedback was strongest in respect of redeveloping the Dovercourt pool.

TDC has £700,000 to spend on physical improvements and says it has received “positive feedback” from external bodies in respect of grant funding.

The report also states it is confident work can be undertaken to refurbish changing rooms at Frinton and Walton pool as well as undertaking works at facilities in Brightlingsea and Manningtree.