A multi-million contract to build a leisure centre for Oswestry has won borough councillors’ approval. It will replace the town’s 1970s’ complex.

They said the Oswald Park Lifestyle Centre, to be built off Shrewsbury Road, would be a legacy, marking the end of the borough council which is being taken over by the unitary authority.

At an Oswestry Borough Council meeting yesterday, members approved a contract of £7.6 million, subject to the consent of the Shropshire Council Implementation Executive, which is overseeing the change to unitary status in April.

A report to the council said the total estimated cost, however, stands at £9,573,000, when taking into account the land purchase and other costs.

In a report to members, Dave Jones, council manager, said four tenders were received for the work.

“Tenders are fixed price with a construction period of 85 weeks,” he said.

“This includes construction of the main building, car parks and access road.”

Councillors agreed to approve the most economical tender, subject to the implementation executive.

Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden said: “I feel we owe the people of the borough a legacy.”

Councillor Stephen Charmley, however, said while he supported the move, he was concerned at the “70s-era” design, lack of environmental systems and said he felt they were being “boxed in” by the timescale.

But Councillor Joyce Barrow said they had to go for what they could afford.

The centre looks set to include a swimming pool and learner pool, indoor sports hall, fitness suite, sauna and more.