�Romford town centre is set to be transformed by a long-awaited state-of-the art leisure centre, which will include a �competition swimming pool and new ice rink.

Havering Council’s cabinet will consider proposals next Wednesday.

The council has been in negotiations with a developer to fund the building incorporating an eight-lane, 25m pool and another for beginners; sauna and steam rooms; a health and fitness studio; a gym; a dance studio; and a caf� and bar.

The centre would have a high quality ice-rink to be used by the public and for competitive events, including ice hockey.

This would replace the existing ice rink in Rom Valley Way.

Funding for the scheme will come from the sale of that site to the developer.

The new centre would �address the lack of public swimming facilities and would also provide a much-needed training and competition facility for swim clubs in Havering. So far ther site for the new centre has not been revealed.

Cllr Michael White, leader of the council, said: “We’ve been working on this project for a number of years. Now it seems that the right deal is within reach.

Negotiate

“We want to make �certain we get the right facility, at the least possible cost to �local taxpayers, so if cabinet approve the proposals, we’ll continue to negotiate hard to secure the best �result, before we sign on the dotted line.

“If we can close this deal, the new leisure centre would be a huge asset for Romford and the rest of �Havering for generations to come.”

If approved the report will be considered by full council and any development will need planning permission.

It would take around three years to build.