FLAGSHIP sporting facilities are about to go up on derelict land alongside Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

Sunderland AFC was yesterday named as preferred developer for the nine-acre site next to the club's 48,000-seater stadium.

Following a two-stage design competition, "visionary proposals" drawn up by the club's team of consultants were approved by regional development agency, One NorthEast.

The site is the last vacant part of the former Wearmouth Colliery site, in the shadow of the stadium's North Stand.

Sunderland's initial bid, to be finalised by September 1, features an Olympic-sized swimming pool within a larger sports arena, an education and technology centre, a leisure centre, and some commercial food outlets.

It would be the only 50m pool between Edinburgh and Leeds, while the adjoining complex could rival Newcastle's Telewest Arena as an indoor concert/sporting venue.

Chairman Bob Murray said: "We believe it's vitally important that the region has more success stories like the Stadium of Light, and we were keen to ensure any developments on the adjacent land would complement and enhance the stadium."

Sunderland City Council leader Colin Anderson, who believes it could bring 500 jobs, said: "The bid is a very exciting one, and outlines an Olympic-size swimming pool, which the North-East badly needs.

"There can be only one in the region and I think this is the ideal site."

John Williams, deputy chairman of One NorthEast, said: "The project has the potential to make Stadium Park one of Europe's premier stadia.

"It will create a focus for leisure and sport in the region and demonstrates the potential in the city of Sunderland."