A NEW leisure centre could be built in Kidderminster and an existing one closed following a review of council-owned facilities, it has been revealed.

Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet was expected to agree recommendations that include the closure of the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre, which would be replaced by a new leisure facility in the town.

It is not yet known where the new centre would be located but it could include a six-court sports hall, fitness studios, 25-metre six-lane swimming pool, leisure water, teaching pool, café and five-a-side synthetic pitches.

At a meeting yesterday, the Conservative-controlled cabinet was also expected to agree for community groups or organisations to take over Bewdley Leisure Centre and the wet and dry facilities at Stourport Sports Centre.

If the community groups do not take over the Stourport centre, however, it could be closed down together with the Glades and a new facility built between the two towns.

The council’s contract with DC leisure, which manages the three centres, finishes in March, 2013 and the authority is currently considering its options before it ends.

The contract would not be extended by the council due to increasing management and maintenance costs but management contracts could be extended if necessary while the new-build and community asset transfers continue to progress.

Residents will be able to give their views on the plans before a final decision by the cabinet.