The plans illustrate what could be delivered within Fife Council's £11.7m budget and what a more costly £15.3m facility could house.

Calculations were based on agreements made early this year to build a new pool in the town centre, with a car park off Tolbooth Street as a possible site.

But firm stresses were made at Monday's area committee that all sites must be explored to allow development of plans in line with the January 2010 start date.

Senior sports manager Grant Ward said: "Now is the time to look at other sites. We need to make progress."

If Tolbooth Street is chosen, a 'like-for-like' construction would cost £11.7m, providing a 25m pool and a 13m training facility. Small health, fitness and aerobic suites would be included.

For £15.3m, an 'enhanced' facility could be delivered, providing in addition to a 25m pool, larger fitness suites, a multi-purpose room, sports hall and public café.

Both facilities would offer only 80 car parking spaces - a matter of concern to officers and councillors - as well as adding to the loss of 166 spaces on the Tolbooth Street car park. It is hoped a parking plan for Kirkcaldy may offer solutions.

Read the full story in this week's Fife Free Press.