Plans for a children’s soft play area and café have been approved for the Water Meadows Swimming and Fitness Complex, Mansfield.

They will offer an all-day family experience at the complex and complement the toddler pool play equipment and new and refurbished family changing areas.

The soft play area is aimed at children under 12. In addition to casual use, the soft play area will be available for group activities and pre-booked parties.

It will be open from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on weekends.

The cost is expected to be £3 per child with a discounted rate of £2 per child when bought with a swimming ticket. There will be no charge for accompanying adults.

Building work is expected to start before Christmas. The café and soft play area will open to the public by April, creating a minimum of 2.5 full-time equivalent jobs.

Cllr Andrew Tristram, Portfolio Holder for the Environment at Mansfield District Council, said: “The new soft play area and café will provide a welcome addition to the leisure pool, swimming, and fitness facilities and ensure families can enjoy a full day out under one roof. The award-winning Titchfield Park is next door with attractions including a large play area and petanque courts meaning there will be plenty of affordable fun in one place for everyone.”

Brian Taylor, Chair of Mansfield District Leisure Trust, said: “We are delighted that the council has approved our proposal for a soft play area and café at Water Meadows. The leisure centre is already very popular with families across Mansfield and we hope that these exciting new facilities will make it the go-to destination for a fun-filled day out and attract new members of the local community.”