NEWPORT is set to make a big splash after plans for a new cutting-edge swimming-pool at Spytty took a step towards reality.

The £5m pool will add to the cluster of new sporting facilities at Spytty making up Newports 'sports village'.

The council cabinet decided last week to back the plans from their budget, and are now pressing ahead to secure £1.5m of lottery money.

Glyn Jarvis, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "I'm relieved that these plans are moving forward.

"It's ideal for Newport and it's important for the city. This will be a 25-metre pool that can be used by clubs and for competitions, rather than a fun pool like Newport Centre."

The 25m-by-17m, eight-lane, short-course pool will be supported by a 20m teaching pool, 500 tiered seats for spectators and unisex, cubicled changing- rooms.

Work could start next year on the site of existing tennis courts, which are due to be relocated, and will complement the £7m velodrome nearing completion.

The pool will have a futuristic floor, like a colander, that can be lifted or lowered by hydraulics.

Haydn Ames, council sport and leisure manager, said: "It could be dropped to two metres in depth to accommodate water polo, or raised for children's classes.

"A lot of details are yet to be finalised. We are working on the designs and have to submit business plans and an outline to lottery funders by the end of the year."

Newport originally bid to funders for a 50m pool, but lost out to Swansea.

A decision has yet to be made on the future of the six-lane, 25m pool at Maindee, but Mr Jarvis said: "The pool at Maindee has come to the end of its days. A lot of money would be needed to maintain it.

"It's also in the wrong place and there are problems with parking."

Chris Freegard, managing director of Newport council, said: "It's a brand- new pool and extremely positive for Newport.

"We have stolen a march on Cardiff as Spytty is shaping up to be Newport's sports village."