PLANS for a multi-million-pound swimming pool which would form part of York’s Sports Village vision have been unveiled.

The University of York has applied to create the £9 million, 25-metre facility at its Heslington East campus expansion, with a decision on whether the scheme goes ahead set to be made in the New Year.

It is being backed by a £3 million contribution from City of York Council, with the university injecting £5 million and Sport England providing a £1 million grant to create the city’s first competition-standard public pool, which will have eight lanes.

The planning application submitted this week includes a training pool, competition equipment and a seating gallery, as well as a 100-station gym, a full-size 3G football pitch and three floodlit five-a-side pitches.

The scheme is expected to create 30 full and part-time jobs.

Professor Brian Cantor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, said: “York Sports Village will add significantly to the excellent sports and recreational facilities we already provide for students, staff and the community.

“We are pleased to work with the council to deliver what will be a tremendous asset to the city.”

The council originally agreed to provide £2 million for the scheme and approved borrowing a further £1 million of public money to go towards it this year.

The university will be in charge of operating and maintaining the pool for the first 25 years of its life. Coun Nigel Ayre, the authority’s executive member for leisure, culture and social inclusion, said: “The submission of the planning application is a good sign this project is moving ahead as planned.

“For a £3 million council contribution, we will be getting a £9 million facility with full public access which will be managed and maintained by the university at no cost to taxpayers. It is testament to the commitment we have shown to delivering a true sustainable vision for swimming in the city.”

If the application is approved, work is expected to start next spring and be completed in the summer of 2012.

The second phase of the Sports Village plan is set to include more grass pitches and indoor facilities, including a 150-station fitness suite, space for classes such as spinning and yoga, specialist treatment rooms, a sauna and a steam room and a café.