Plans for a new swimming pool for Redditch, which have been under discussion for at least four years, have been given the go-ahead.
The 25m pool will be built at a cost of £6.5m at the town's Abbey Stadium.
The money will also be spent on upgrading the centre's gym and courts and resurfacing the outdoor athletics track.
A borough council spokeswoman said the pool should be open by the spring of 2012.
