Plans for the construction of a new £9.2m leisure centre in Nottingham have been given the green light by the city council, after a feasibility study ruled that the scheme presented the most cost-effective option.

The decision by Nottingham City Council's (NCC) executive board now means that the historic Victoria Leisure Centre at Sneinton Market is set to be demolished to make way for the new facility, which could be ready to open by June 2012. Detailed designs will now be drawn up for the new centre, which is set to include a six-lane swimming pool with separate children's pool and fun splash play area, a fitness and health suite incorporating sauna and gym facilities, and a café.

The site's existing clock tower will be retained as part of the proposals, which were one of three options presented to the council by consultants Levitate. However, plans to upgrade existing facilities were rejected due to cost and efficiency issues. NCC leader Jon Collins said: "Although opinions differ over what is the best option, the view of the consultants and the support of a majority of local people for Option C is why we are going for it."