The Southlands center in Middlesbrough has been approved by the government

Work can now begin on a new sports center after its development was approved by the government.

The Southlands Center in Middlesbrough is to be built on the site of a former leisure center on Ormesby Road.

Planning permission was initially granted in September, but Secretary of State for Communities Angela Rayner needed to approve a number of technical issues relating to the layout of the site.

The project has now been given the green light, paving the way for the Middlesbrough FC Foundation to move its headquarters into the building.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke described the charity as the “perfect partner” for the project.

“I can’t wait to see ground breaking on the new Southlands Center – it will be transformative for East Middlesbrough and a facility that will benefit the whole town,” he said.

“It will help our residents improve their physical and mental health, which is one of my key priorities for Middlesbrough.”

Middlesbrough FC Foundation will run the center and plans to relocate its staff there from its current Riverside Stadium premises.

A tender process to find a contractor has begun and the council hopes to start construction next year.

As part of the works, the current 3G and grass football pitches will be upgraded and a new open space created for additional physical activity.

A second phase of the scheme could see new extensions added to the site, the council said.

Theo Furness, the council’s executive member for development, said he believed the “world-class facility” would inspire people to “live healthy and active lives”.

“Football is incredibly important to so many people in our town, so it’s a real boost for East Middlesbrough that Middlesbrough FC Foundation will be moving to the new Southlands site,” he said.