THE first �263,000 could soon be handed over to developers to help kickstart an exciting �2.5million sports complex project.

The facility, set to be built on the Worle Community School site off Redwing Drive, would include an artificial turf pitch with floodlighting, as well as a fitness gym, dance studio and multi-purpose sports room.

The William Knowles Centre in Winterstoke Road, Weston, and Banwell Pottery in West Street, Banwell, are set to shut down their existing premises and their services move to the new complex by September 2012.

North Somerset Council’s executive member for finance, Tony Lake, is set to approve the �263,000 payment to Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd for the pre-construction work, which will include surveys and designs.

The council’s executive decided last month to press ahead with the plans.

A report presented at the meeting by council leader, Nigel Ashton, said: “This project provides a unique opportunity to provide these services in a cost-effective way, while making annual savings.

“The project envisages provision of enhanced sports facilities, which would be made available to both the school and the community, and a modern, fit-for-purpose location for learning disability services, which would benefit hugely from being community-based and integrated with other services.”

The facilities would be available to the school and community and would also include indoor and outdoor changing rooms, a reception area, caf� and meeting rooms.

The council added in its report that the school sports facilities are not sufficient as they stand and some are beyond their useful life. By combining services at the new site it estimates making a saving of �92,000 a year.

The full contract award is set to go before the executive in December, but by progressing with the plans now it is hoped it will save time.