A NEW £19m overhaul for the centre of Farnworth will see a new doctor’s surgery and a revamped leisure centre.

Part of the Market Precinct scheme, the new plans have been unveiled for a multi-purpose community hub which will include a GP surgery.

The L-shaped single-storey building will also feature a café and place for exercise classes.

Supporters say the much-needed community space will revive the high street.

The leisure centre in Brackley Street will see an upgrade to the exterior as well as extra activities offered with car parking improvements and extra landscaping including trees and renewed pathways.

The idea is to transform the town centre and provide essential health services in one place and easy to access for all.

Developer Capital & Centric submitted a detail planning application for the site in January after being given outline permission for the ambitious plans in September.

In the planned works an events pavilion will also support outdoor community events to bring people to the town centre, bringing maker’s markets, pop-up art galleries, foodie gatherings and live music.

Cllr Maureen Flitcroft said: "We are delighted to be at this stage where we have detailed plans being submitted for not only the market precinct development but also the long awaited extension of Farnworth’s Leisure Centre.

We do not envisage any issues with these plans being given approval by the planning committee in April , then the tangible work will be able to begin and the people of Farnworth and Kearsley will be able to see true progress being made after being let down so many times in the past.

With regards to the extension of the leisure centre, the improved parking, entry and exit points will make for safer access. The tired outdoor games area was in recent times only used for the bootcamp activity and it is felt that the new dry multi-use studio will be better used by more of the community. This along with the fitness equipment and the new vista provided with the huge windows will all make for a more pleasurable experience.

"Negotiations are ongoing with officers and stakeholders including the NHS to provide services in the community hub that our residents say are much needed in the town centre. This, along side a multi-use plaza space available to the community to facilitate a host of possible uses, including outdoor events such as pop-up markets, craft displays, music events etc are real assets to our community.

This regeneration is way overdue for our town and its people. We are very excited to at last see this happen.