THE decision to build a £6m leisure centre at the Djanogly City Academy has received a mixed response.

The centre in Gregory Boulevard, which has now been given the go-ahead by councillors, will replace the existing Noel Street Baths.

It will have a six-lane swimming pool, 50-station fitness suite as well as a dance and fitness studio.

A spokesperson for the academy said they were pleased with the decision, adding it would be a boost to everyone in the area.

She said: "We're very happy with the news and we look forward to having such a fantastic facility on our Gregory Boulevard site, one which will benefit both the public and the academy."

But parent Sarita-Marie Rehman-Wall, whose two children go to the academy, said she was concerned about security issues at the centre.

The 32-year-old said: "I hope there is going to be a way of keeping the children safe if the public are going to be using it as well.

"I think they have to be careful how they manage it. It will be good to have a new centre though."

Parking for the leisure centre will be towards the front of the site.

Outside school hours, parking will also be available around the academy.

The centre will be open between 7am and 9.30pm Monday to Friday as well as 8am and 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

A security fence is likely to be built around the perimeter to separate pupils from members and would match an existing steel fence on the site.

People living near the site said they would have preferred a site at the Forest Recreation Ground to be used.

Keith Price, 71, of Leslie Road, said: "I don't think there is really enough room because things are already hemmed in around here."

Sylvia Parker, of Austen Avenue, added: "The children at the academy have one pitch there now but when they build this they won't any longer."

A spokesman for the city council said students are likely to be allowed to use a grass pitch on the Forest Recreation Ground in place of the football pitch lost during the development.

marcus.boocock@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk