Experts called in to lead debate on future of Shrewsbury's Quarry swimming pool
A panel of experts has been called in to discuss the future of Shrewsbury's Quarry Pool at an open meeting being held in the town next month.
Shrewsbury BID and Shropshire Society of Architects have called several experts in architecture and urban planning to lead the public debate which will be held at the University Centre Shrewsbury on February 4.
They will consider the importance of having centrally located leisure facilities for local people and for socially and economically sustainable town centres.
The debate, entitled "Future proofing a healthy Shrewsbury town centre: Why the Quarry Swimming Pool matters" starts at 6.30pm. The panel will be chaired by Paul Keogh, former president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.
He will be joined by David Rudlin, an expert in the built environment with experience of high profile consultancy projects; Simon Wall, one of Ireland's best known architect-planners and architect Ruth Reed, director of Shropshire-based Green Planning Studio Limited.
Kirsten Henly, Shrewsbury BID executive director, said: "With Shropshire Council announcing that more time and research is needed before a decision can be made on the future of the Quarry Swimming Pool, we're delighted we could invite national planning and urban design experts to the town for an engaging, locally-focussed debate.
"We have serious concerns about the future location of Quarry Swimming Pool and the economic impact any move out of the town would have on the town centre."
Michael Cruise, chairman of Shropshire Society of Architects, said: "We're really pleased to be involved in this event, bringing architects and planners from across the country, including Shropshire, with lots of experience which is relevant to this very local issue."
The panel will share their views and experience on broader town centre development and growth opportunities, as well as the role of leisure facilities play in vibrant town centres, and will also be taking questions from the audience.
The opinions discussed will be forwarded to Shropshire Council which is considering whether to revamp or rebuild the pool on the current quarry site or move it to a new site.
People who would like to attend the debate are asked to email emma@shrews burybid.co.uk or sign up at Eventbrite/Shrewsbury-debate to help organisers manage numbers
