THIS three-dimensional picture is one of the first views of Burnley's major new health and leisure development.

Work on demolishing St Peter's multi-storey car park is due to begin next month before building starts on the centre, a joint venture between Burnley Council and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust.

Outline planning permission for the multi-storey centre has been agreed and although the final design and plans have yet to be agreed, the artist's impression shows what a dramatic impact the new £20million state-of-the-art building will have.

Council leader Stuart Caddy said: "Until now we have seen two dimensional drawings of what this centre could look like.

"This 3D picture really brings to life how imposing and impressive the joint health and leisure centre will be. Not only will this new centre improve the area, it will also bring benefits for everyone who uses it.

"People will be able to keep fit and healthy and be able to see a doctor or get advice on health issues all under the same roof."

Work on the centre is set to start in December with the leisure part of it completed by the end of next year. The health facilities are expected to be finished by summer 2006.

The sports centre will replace the Thompson Centre which will be demolished, but not until its replacement is ready.

Developers have said the leisure aspect will feature a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a learner pool, spectator area, fitness suite, two dance and aerobic studios, health suite including sauna, steam room and spa pool, a four-court sports hall, practice hall, two squash courts, changing rooms, community cafe and cyber cafe, and a creche.

GP surgeries, an out-of-hours medical centre, dental surgery and pharmacy are earmarked for the health side.

The health facilities will replace those at St Nicholas's health centre and it will also act as headquarters for the primary care trust's out-of-hours doctors' service.

Alternative parking arrangements are being made by Burnley Council to compensate for the loss of the 350 spaces at St Peter's, including the opening up of an unused part of the former Pioneer site.

Earlier this month Developers, the Eric Wright Group, were asked by council bosses to look at the scheme, to be built on land between the River Brun and Bank Parade, to try and reduce costs by the £100,000.

As part of the overall process, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust has been consulting with the public and has set up a patient-public user group to discuss views on construction materials and landscaping, transport issues, including bus stops, drop-off points, pedestrian access, the need for motorcycle parking and disabled access issues, location of disabled parking spaces, covered walkways and raised pedestrian crossings.

Anyone interested being on the group can contact Senga Lindsay at the PCT on 01282 607035.