First steps to be taken on Quarry Pool plans

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Wednesday, 13 February 2019 21:22

By Andrew Morris - Local Democracy Reporter

Work will begin on creating a new state-of-the-art swimming pool in the centre of Shrewsbury.

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has given the go ahead for a feasibility study to be carried out on transforming the town’s current Quarry Swimming Pool and a cross-party working group will be set up to monitor progress.

It marks the end of a long-running saga about where the town’s new pool will be based, with previous recommendations including moving it out of town.

But a fresh report by Councillor Lezley Picton was presented to the Cabinet yesterday (Wednesday) and members approved the first stage of planning and design work should begin.

The new pool could be open as early as three years from now, Councillor Picton said.

She added: “I am excited to present this report to you and look forward to buying you coffee there when it opens in three years time.

“It could be a refurbishment of the current building or a whole new building on the site, which would be my gut instinct.

“This is a chance to transform that area of the Quarry and bring new people in to the town.

“We could include a modern dining space, conferencing facilities and offices, this is a great opportunity for the town.”

Councillor Roger Evans, leader of the Liberal Democrat Party on Shropshire Council, said: “I welcome this report and cannot see anybody who would not.

“I think it is important we take politics out of it and all work together on this to make it a success.

“It is what we all want to see and I am pleased to see it.”

Councillor Peter Nutting, council leader, said a cross-party group would be looked at to keep on top of the plans.

The feasibility plan will likely cost in the region of £500,000 and will give a better idea of the total cost of the project.

But Councillor Picton said both she and the council were determined to deliver on the project and that the money would be available.

Previously, Mark Barrow, director of place for the council, has said plans are in place for when the current pool closes for the work.

“We have sites in mind for basing a temporary pool,” he said.

“The people of Shrewsbury will not go without a pool for three years. This has happened in some authority areas and it won’t happen here.

“We are looking at a number of sites currently, including Sundorne Sports Village.

“If this pool proved a success and was financially viable it could also remain after the new pool opens and then the town will have two.

“At the moment we are open to everything and want to look at everything we can.”

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