How the proposed leisure centre should look on completion

Sports minister Particia Ferguson confirmed the Sport Scotland grant towards the �16.5m project.

The new facility is to be built on the former Co-op site at Hoods Loaning and is expected to open in autumn 2007.

The funding for the state-of-the-art facility is the largest single sports lottery grant to be received by Dumfries and Galloway.

Ms Ferguson said: "Quality local facilities are essential for the development of world class athletes.

"It will also be a valuable asset for the local community, offering a wide range of opportunities for people to get active."

'Great news'

The centre will also house Dumfries and Galloway's leisure and sport department as well as becoming a base for community coaches.

Council convener Tommy Sloan welcomed the grant support.

"This is great news," he said. "We are delighted that Sport Scotland has shown faith in this project by awarding it �1.25 million, which is by far the largest sports lottery award ever to come to Dumfries and Galloway."

Sport Scotland chairman Julia Bracewell said the centre could make a difference to both aspiring top athletes and ordinary members of the public.

"This key regional facility will benefit athletes from across Dumfries and Galloway and moves Scotland closer to completing a network of high quality regional training and competition facilities," she said.

"This project also offers the local community of Dumfries increased opportunities to participate and develop in sport."