A TOWN in north Durham is to get £20m Olympic-quality sports facilities as part of a radical overhaul of its leisure provision in time for 2012.

Project Genesis has revealed an artist's impression of the proposed modern complex earmarked for the former steelworks site it is redeveloping in Consett.

Derwentside District Council is also considering selling off existing facilities for £3m to make way for new housing.

The sale of Belle Vue Leisure Centre and Belle Vue Swim Centre will pave the way for 40 bungalows on the sites.

Council leader Alex Watson said he hoped the new complex would attract foreign competitors training in the country when London hosts the Olympic Games in six years.

He said: "Since we agreed to transfer the housing stock to Derwentside Homes, there has been a need for a new build and it is an ideal and perfect site.

"They are not due to build until 2008, and we should be proud because it is an ambitious programme."

Councillor Watson said no facilities would be demolished until the structure was completed and the consultation process had been exhausted.

He said: "This will have national facilities and we hope to attract countries competing in the Olympic Games in 2012.

"We will look to attract a prestigious personality up here to dig the first sod."

Project Genesis has submitted a planning application to the council's development control committee for the world-class facility.

If the scheme is approved, it will form the centrepiece of the town's massive regeneration scheme.

It will be located just a few minutes' walk from the town centre, adjacent to a planned restaurant and residential developments at Park Road and Templetown.

The diverse facilities of the complex would include a sports hall, 25-metre swimming pool, four badminton courts, four indoor tennis courts, four outdoor tennis courts, 15 outdoor football pitches and a gym.

Morris Muter, managing director of Project Genesis, said: "This is a project that will provide a new focus for the people of Consett, providing facilities for everyone in Derwentside and helping to bring people more into the town.

"By placing the sports centre at the centre of the site, we're making it accessible and enjoyable for the entire community."