WORK to give Verwood a bigger supermarket and new leisure facilities could get underway next summer.

Bosses from East Dorset District Council are hoping to sign off the sale of Verwood Leisure Centre land in Chiltern Drive to WM Morrison Supermarket by Christmas.

Money from the deal will be poured into building a 60-station health and fitness suite at Verwood Hub, in Brock Way, once the leisure centre has closed.

If there is enough cash, the Hub’s main auditorium will be fitted with an air conditioning unit.

And Emmanuel Middle School will receive a “substantial contribution” towards building a new sports hall.

A council spokesman said the plans represent “major improvements” to the town’s leisure facilities.

He said: “Talks between the school’s governors, the Diocese of Salisbury and the council are progressing well in relation to the design and build of the joint community and educational sports hall, which will be built in the school grounds.”

Following the sale, Morrisons will need to submit a full planning application to expand its existing store and built a petrol station.

If approved, construction is expected to start in mid 2012 and finish in mid 2013.

The leader of East Dorset District Council, Cllr Spencer Flower, said: “The sale of Verwood Leisure Centre gives the council the opportunity to work with its partners to radically improve community facilities and services in Verwood for the benefit of the district’s residents.

“The new facilities will give residents access to the best in sports, leisure and retail provision and will encourage an active and healthy lifestyle.”

The policy and resources committee will consider the timetable on December 7.