David Burrows: Backing a splashing idea for Shrewsbury
Now here's an idea I can (almost) fully get behind - demolishing the bloomin' eyesore in Shrewsbury that is the town's swimming and leisure centre.
Our MP Daniel Kawczynski wants it gone.
. They definitely have mine.
The Quarry leisure centre is an affront to the eyes. A huge, grey brick square dumped in the corner of one of the most picturesque parts of the town.
The Quarry is gorgeous. The Dingle is stunning, the views of the River Severn equally so. Around it are some magnificent town houses. And then there's that . . . thing.
It has to be a contender for Shrewsbury's ugliest building. It's that or the equally disgusting Market Hall clock tower, which looks like something a five-year-old would build during a first experimentation with Lego.
So as far as I'm concerned the sooner that carbuncle (get me channelling my inner Prince Charles) is flattened the better.
Bernard Wills, the chairman of Shrewsbury Masters Swimming Club, says he's in favour of improved facilities being built somewhere in the town. The pool needs an upgrade, he says. But he insists any replacement must stay in the middle of town as that is the current centre's best feature.
Mr Kawczynski said the "1970s swimming pool is a travesty for The Quarry and such a central part of Shrewsbury".
He added: "The site is completely out-of-keeping with the whole spirit and aesthetic of The Quarry, and it needs to be knocked down."
Which is what I said. Only better.
But the reason I say I can almost get behind the idea is what Mr Kawczynski says next.
" . . . it needs to be knocked down . . . and replaced with a brand new hotel and leisure complex."
Now I've already banged on about this pie-in-the-sky idea that Shropshire Council has come up with that Shrewsbury needs a 200-bedroom five-star town centre hotel. To sum up - it doesn't.
However, if somebody with completely private money wants to build a hotel and leisure complex there that ISN'T five star, then maybe I can get on board. Its guests would certainly have a good view.
Whatever happens, it is vital that if the leisure centre is knocked down (please, please, please, please, please) that whatever goes in its place is in keeping with the character of the area.
I don't want to sound like one of those people who objects to every town centre development, but this is an important area of the town and deserves a landmark building not another eyesore.
Whoever is making the decisions needs to ensure that's that case. And go to any length to make it so.
