IPSWICH'S leaders have given the green light to a feasibility study into a £21million project to create Suffolk's first Olympic-sized swimming pool.The borough council's executive committee last night gave the thumbs up to investigate the viability of the scheme, which would see the existing Crown Pools site demolished and a 50-metre replacement built on the car park behind the Cobbold Stand in Portman Road.

IPSWICH'S leaders have given the green light to a feasibility study into a £21million project to create Suffolk's first Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The borough council's executive committee last night gave the thumbs up to investigate the viability of the scheme, which would see the existing Crown Pools site demolished and a 50-metre replacement built on the car park behind the Cobbold Stand in Portman Road.

The feasibility study will cost £62,000. A new pool behind the football club would develop the council's vision of a sports village in the area, which is close to the proposed new university campus.

A report has found it would cost £8million to extend the life of the ageing Crown Pools and has recommended the site, in Crown Street, be cleared for housing.

Under the plans, Crown Pools would remain open until the replacement was ready, with the new complex also boasting a 20m pool, spa baths and a luxury spa complex. A hotel, a multi-storey car park and shops could also feature.

Judy Terry, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We have been granted permission to conduct a feasibility study which is good news and the first step of the process. Hopefully we will be able to report back to the executive in early February.”