Gym and studio could be included in plans for new swimming pool in Whitchurch

Consultants have been drafted in by Shropshire Council to look into what facilities could be provided at a new building to replace the town’s ageing swimming centre.

It comes after the condition of the existing pool was put in the spotlight when it proved impossible to implement the Covid-safe measures required to reopen in-between lockdowns, leaving its doors closed for almost a year.

This was further compounded by a mystery leak, and the council has now commissioned a thorough survey of the facility and set aside £50,000 for work to enable it to reopen when national restrictions allow.

But Lezley Picton, cabinet member for leisure, said a longer-term aspiration to replace the pool was also being looked into.

In a public question submitted ahead of a cabinet meeting on Monday, Whitchurch resident Nick Saxby said: “We have been told that the council and its contractors have explored all options and worked hard to try and find solutions, yet we have not heard anything about these options, or what work has actually been done to try and get the pool open.”

Explanation

Mr Saxby, who earlier this year submitted a petition to the council bearing more than 400 signatures calling for the pool to reopen, asked Councillor Picton for a firm timetable setting out when the pool would open and for an explanation of the work carried out at the centre so far.

Councillor Picton said: “The council are unable to commit to a specific timetable for reopening the swimming centre as investigative work to identify the cause of the leak is on-going.

“Once that has been identified a programme for repair can be established, taking into account the extent of those repairs and provisional costs.

“Whilst the investigative work continues the council are taking the opportunity to undertake an intrusive conditions survey of the facility due to issues that have come to light during investigations.

“The cost of undertaking this survey is £8,300 and it will take place in the week commencing March 15 with results available towards the end of the month.

“The effects of the pandemic have prevented investigative work taking place as promptly as we would have liked which is extremely frustrating.”

Councillor Picton said pipework and skimmers would need to be replaced, along with the tiled walkways around the pool, and floor panels in the pool needed to be removed to test the integrity of the floor.

Filters

New pool filters will also be installed, which Councillor Picton said would cost £6,000 if only needed in the short-term but up to £20,000 if the pool was to remain in use long-term.

She added: “Spend to date on initial investigations is approximately £11,000.

“The estimated budget to undertake on-going investigative work and remedial repairs is £50,000 with the potential to increase.

“At a cost of £2,500 the council have engaged a quantity surveyor and consultant to provide estimated costs and a needs assessment for a potential replacement facility in Whitchurch.”

A new swimming centre would include a six-lane 25 metre pool, with or without a moveable floor. Two more expensive options are also being explored, one involving a 35-station fitness suite, and one including a fitness suite and a dance studio.

Councillor Picton said the final plans would depend on the results of the consultants’ findings and would be subject to community and stakeholder consultation.