The London Borough of Sutton has given the green light for the redevelopment of Westcroft Leisure Centre to go ahead.

The £11.3m plans will see the existing centre in Carshalton closed from 23 October this year ready for it to be demolished to make way for the new-look facility.

When it reopens late next year the new Hoca Practice-designed Westcroft Leisure Centre will boast a 25m competition pool, a large teaching pool, an eight-court sports hall, 170-station gym, a dance studio and a group cycling room.

Additional facilities will include beauty treatment rooms, a library, café, crèche and meeting rooms.

Westcroft Leisure Centre currently generates £2m in revenues for Sutton Council, but the revamp plans follow a council report which found that it would cost £4m if it wasn't upgraded.

Sutton Council executive member for finance and efficiency John Drage said: "We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop and refurbish this leisure centre.

"It is therefore important that we provide the best facilities that we possibly can, while at the same time ensuring the best possible value for money for the borough's council taxpayers."

While construction work takes place, local residents will be able to use the borough's three other leisure centres, which are to benefit from a £0.95m investment by operator Everyone Active.

Cheam Leisure Centre will benefit from new changing facilities and new fitness equipment as well as platforms in the swimming pool to make it more shallow for younger swimmers and lessons.

The gym at Sutton Arena is to double in size and benefit from new equipment while the reception area will also be redeveloped.

The Phoenix centre will also see new gym equipment general redecoration.