The old pool was demolished in 2007 after a controversial closure and campaigners have fought to see a new facility built on a city centre site.

Yesterday Wakefield Council confirmed that a new pool would be built on the same site, the former Sun Lane baths in the city centre.

The president of Wakefield Civic Society Kevin Trickett said last night: "This is the first we have seen of the proposal for the new pool so our planning committee has not yet discussed it in any detail.

"However, I can tell you that having a new pool built on the Sun Lane site is something we have campaigned for since the announcement to close and demolish the old pool and we therefore welcome the proposal in principle.

"Of course, we will want to review the detailed plans for the pool when these become available and we look forward to the promised consultation."

The Sun Lane swimming pool was designed in 1936-7 by Percy Morris, then city architect. The building provided slipper baths, a cafe and a terrace for sun-bathing as well as a competition-size pool.

Wakefield Council decided to shut the old Sun Lane pool in 2006.

At the time a report to the council's cabinet said: "Sun Lane swimming pool, built in 1936, has reached the end of its useful life and closed on June 5, 2006.

"It is not economically viable to repair and, as the structure is starting to fail, work has been commissioned to determine the requirements for the demolition of the existing building."

There was a possibility that an alternative location might be used for the new facility, but council chiefs have now changed their minds.

The new pool will be housed in a two-storey, glass-entranced building.

Features will include a moveable floor to provide flexibility in its uses, meaning more of the community can access the centre for different uses.

The new centre will also include:

an eight-lane 25-metre pool;

a smaller learner pool;

a 130-station fitness suite;

a multi-use activity studio;

a health suite with spa bath, steam room and sauna;

200 capacity spectator viewing area and public cafe.

Wakefield Council's deputy leader and Cabinet member for sport and regeneration, Denise Jeffery, said: "Last year we promised people we would work towards building a fantastic new pool in the city and we are now moving forward in earnest.

"This is a major project and one we are determined to get right – these things don't happen overnight and a lot of work has been going on in the background. Now we can show people our initial thoughts and look forward to hearing people's responses as we move towards a planning application early next year.

"People have asked us for this and we have listened. I'm sure people will support these plans as everyone wants the best for our city and this will help encourage even more people to take part in healthy activity."

The council wants to hear from local residents about what they think about the plans for the state-of-the art building and those interested will be able to make their views known during a two-week consultation period will run from November 30 to December 13.

To comment on these latest designs during this period visit either Wakefield Town Hall or Lightwaves Leisure Centre during usual opening hours, or log on to www.wakefield.gov.uk/citypool from November 30 onwards.

For more on sport and active lifestyles contact the council on 08458 506 506.