Centred on Moor Park Swimming Pool in Bispham the new state-of-the-art complex would combine GP surgeries with top-class sport and leisure facilities.

Health and council chiefs have heralded the scheme as "fantastic news" for the town and believe combining fitness and health facilities is the way forward to improve the resort's appalling health record.

In Bispham, only 22 per cent of people eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, 18 per cent admit to binge drinking, 33 per cent of crime is alcohol-related and more than one in five people are obese – according to official NHS figures.

Dr Steve Parr-Burman, of North Shore Surgery, said GPs were committed to the project.

"The enormous benefits of having healthcare provision next to leisure services cannot be over-emphasised," he said.

"This offers tremendous opportunities for rehabilitation, exercise on prescription, sports medicine and preventing illness.

"Everyone who has been involved in the proposals has been working with one goal in mind – to deliver a health service fit for the 21st century."

Moor Park was chosen as a location for a primary care centre for north Blackpool, after residents fought proposals to build on land between Devonshire Road and Bispham – the home of the current Bispham Library.

The project would see two GP surgeries – Devonshire Road and North Shore Surgery – move into the centre, likely to include outpatients and consultants' clinics, minor surgery, dentists, sexual health and diagnostics such as X-ray.

The existing swimming pool would stay at the heart of a three-acre complex including four badminton courts, a 40-station gym and an activity room for aerobics and yoga classes.

Bispham Library, which would move from its current site, would double in size and have more books and computers for public use, as well as being open seven days a week.

Coun Tony Williams, cabinet member for culture and communities, said GPs would be able to make referrals for people to exercise and they could then walk through to the leisure centre.

Gary Pretty, who represents the Bispham, Anchorsholme and Norbreck area forum, said: "It sounds like it could be a good scheme, although it would be taking away some green space.

"I know they have struggled to find a location for the primary care centre. This site is a lot more sensible."

A public meeting will take place on Thursday, between 7pm and 9pm at Bispham High School, for local residents to view the plans, hear the detail of the proposals and have their say.