Value of Shrewsbury Quarry pool site 'must be made public'
The value of Shrewsbury's Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre should be made public as part of discussions over its future, a councillor has said.
Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, described the potential sale value of the site as "key" to discussions over a new swimming pool for Shrewsbury.
He said: "What I am concerned about is that the value of the Quarry site if it were to be sold for alternative development may well be a key factor in the decision-making process and I think everyone should have information about that – and it is currently being withheld."
The future of the Quarry pool is currently the subject of a public consultation being carried out by Shropshire Council.
Four of the seven options for the future location of Shrewsbury's swimming pool would see it move from its current town centre site.
Possible new locations include Shrewsbury Sports Village, Shrewsbury College, on land at Ellesmere Road, or land at Clayton Way.
There are three options which would see it remain at the Quarry, a refurbishment, a renovation, or a new build.
Councillor Mosley said he believes the sale value is an important part of the decision, which is expected to be taken by Shropshire Council's cabinet in December.
He said: "I cannot imagine that the capital receipt that might come from the sale of the Quarry is not a significant factor in the administration's thoughts about the future of the swimming baths.
"Clearly the capital receipt would go into monies available for capital expenditure including any money for re-building the swimming baths."
Councillor Mosley, who on Monday evening joined fellow councillors at Shrewsbury Town Council in passing a motion calling for the pool to remain in the town centre, said that if the site were to come up for sale it would prove attractive to developers.
He said: "I am sure developers might find that highly attractive, notwithstanding the need for full planning permission in the conversation area."
The council leader also voiced his doubts about the way the options are listed in the consultation, describing the layout as "flawed".
He said: "I was also concerned that the option of the baths staying in the town centre is put as three split options.
"I believe the consultation is flawed because the option of staying at the Quarry ought to have been a single option, and if those who voted for the town centre are added together that is clearly the most popular option."
