Plans to pump nearly £3.5m into transforming an Oxford sports centre into a leading leisure facility have been given the go-ahead.

The Ferry Sports Centre, in Summertown, will undergo a complete makeover within the next three years following the decision by Oxford City Council's executive board.

A new health and fitness centre and community centre will be among the £3.46m improvements.

Councillors gave their backing to the scheme, even though original cost estimates had risen by £874,500.

Most of the project is being funded as part of the council's capital programme for this year, but £379,500 will be paid from the council's repairs and maintenance budget towards the community centre part of the site.

Last year, the executive agreed to invest £4.8m over three years to improve its leisure facilities.

Plans for the sports centre include:

A 140-station health and fitness centre and air-conditioned dance studio

A new reception area, including a fast-track entry system for members

Refurbished squash courts, cafe and changing rooms

Modernising the whole building, community centre and improving all equipment.

Peter Johnson, the council's executive member for leisure, said: "We're working hard to improve all our leisure facilities in Oxford.

"The Ferry Centre is already one of our most popular sports facilities and with extra investment I believe it will attract more people."