A new soft play area is set to open in a sports complex next year.

Brighton and Hove city councillors are expected to approve the plans for Withdean Sports Complex soon.

The council, working alongside Freedom Leisure which operates the complex, is looking to convert two of the six existing squash courts into a soft play area for children.

This comes as part of a wider plan to develop Withdean into one of three major sport and leisure hubs in the city.

An extensive consultation was carried out as part of the sports investment plan, which identified a need for more facilities targeted at children.

It found there was over provision of squash facilities in Brighton, while demand for the game has plummeted over the last 30 years.

Some 80 children could use the soft play during a session.

As well as providing a new activity space for children, the soft play is tipped to support the sports centre during the current financial crisis.

Councillor Martin Osborne, co-chairman of the tourism, equalities, communities and culture committee said: “We know that there is a demand for indoor soft play facilities for children living in our city, and we are pleased that we have identified an opportunity to provide this at Withdean Sports Complex.

“Ensuring that children are physically active from an early age is really important in terms of healthy growth and development.

"Fun, social, challenging and informal play opportunities should be strongly encouraged and supported to help develop confidence and independence.

“We are pleased to be moving towards our ambition to create a sports and leisure hub in the north of Brighton and Hove, providing facilities and opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.”