THE views of local people are being sought on ambitious plans for a new £31 million leisure, business support and community facility in Redcar.

Redcar and Cleveland Council have developed proposals for the scheme and would like to welcome the public to a pre planning application consultation event taking place at Redcar Central Library to help shape the proposals prior to an outline planning application being submitted.

The exhibition will take place on: * Thursday 13 January – 10.00 am – 7.00 pm * Friday 14 January – 10.00 am – 7.00 pm * Saturday 15 January – 9.30 am – 12.30 pm.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Sheelagh Clarke said: “During the ‘Love it, Hate it’ consultation residents told us they wanted a new swimming pool and improved leisure facilities. These plans will create a real asset for the town and provide residents and visitors with fantastic new facilities.

When I visit my granddaughter I take her to a swimming pool similar to the one planned for Redcar and I know that children of all ages are in for a great experience when the plans are realised - I can’t wait to see them have a great time using it.”

Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Mark Hannon said: “The Council is committed to delivering this exciting project and we are keen to move it forward as quickly as possible whilst providing the public with the opportunity to inform and develop the plans.

This scheme will help create and safeguard 260 jobs and with the £75 million investment in Redcar over the next 3 years will see the town experience its biggest investment for over 100 years providing the opportunity to develop the town as a retail and visitor destination.”

The plans to develop the area between Kirkleatham Street and Coatham Road were approved by the Council’s Cabinet last year and will include: * a new 6 lane, 25 metre swimming pool and leisure pool * dance hall and performance space * fitness suite and junior gym * sports hall * business space for small to medium sized enterprises * community and civic suite * improved car parking * landscaped public spaces.

The proposals and feedback forms will be available to view on the Council’s website at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/regeneration from 13 January until 14 February 2011.

Alternatively the public can feedback their views by contacting the regeneration helpline on 01642 444311.