IT is an ambitious multi-million pound scheme that could breathe new life into one of Hampshire’s popular attractions.

Plans have been drawn up to modernise Lymington’s historic sea water baths, which have been in the heart of the New Forest town for 181 years.

A pavilion with views over Lymington River, a new water sport zone and an additional swimming area with a more extensive water purification system are just some of the improvements that could be made to the facility.

The grade II-listed attraction is owned by Lymington and Pennington Town Council and run by Lynx Sports Management, which is based in the town.

The firm was brought in by the council in 2013 to revitalise the sea baths and already it has added new features, including a climbing tower and zorbing facilities.

A report by the Sea Water Baths (SWB) sub-committee revealed that more people are using the facility, which has seen its deficit significantly reduced, and the partnership with Lynx Sports Management has saved the council £40,000 a year.

But the report added more needed to be done.

Cllr Alan Penson, chairman of the council’s policy and resources committee, said the pool was “badly built”, which had caused cracks in the paving and one end of the pool has sunk because of poor foundations.

He said a scheme dealing with these problems and improving the water quality would cost “millions of pounds”.

Cllr Penson added that the cash needed for the scheme would come from the sea water baths reserve pot but they were also looking at four other avenues of funding to finance the bulk of the work.

These include applying for a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, selling off council-owned assets and securing a low interest loan from the Public Works Loans Board.

Mr Penson said the plans were still in “very early stages” and added: “Since I have been on the council I have been keen to have a plan for the baths to secure their long-term future. I am hopeful that something can be done.

“We have got a very progressive council in Lymington and we have completed schemes and we have many schemes in progress and this is just one of them. We are keen to do our best for the town.”

Internationally-renowned architects Conran & Partners will present the plans at a meeting of the council’s amenities committee meeting next month.