Lead Member – Councillor Robert Macey - Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital

Report of Claire Featherstone, Head of Culture, Leisure & Tourism

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Confirmed that the previous decision made in December 2020 to develop a dual split site proposal, with new pools being developed at both the Quarry and SSV, is currently unaffordable and development of SSV needs to be prioritised, with a full assessment being undertaken in due course on the future options for the Quarry site.

2.     Authorised an 8-week public consultation on the development proposals for SSV, including a competition standard pool and studio pool and improvements to the fitness centre.

3.     Agreed that once the public consultation is completed, the results are to be reported back to Cabinet and then Full Council for a decision on whether to amend the proposals and/ or to proceed with the capital funding for the design and construction of the SSV facilities.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Digital introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval to undertake an 8-week public consultation on development proposals including a new swimming and fitness centre based at the Shrewsbury Sports Village (SSV) on Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury.

Concern was expressed that the report refers to the Quarry “site” and it was felt that a swimming and leisure facility was vital in the town centre, in line with the vision for Shrewsbury. The importance of a town centre facility was acknowledged; however it was confirmed that there was a need for a competition pool and that due to insufficient parking and the flooding risks, the Quarry was not suitable. It was further confirmed that no decision had been made as to the future of the Quarry site, but that SSV would be prioritised until a decision has been made with regards to the facilities that can be afforded at the Quarry. Members were reminded that possibilities for swimming provision had previously been investigated and that any investment should be welcomed.

Members welcomed the sustainability of the proposals and that this would be a positive move for the swimming community.

In response to a query, the Portfolio Holder advised that the new facility would serve the whole of the county and would accommodate a variety of needs, such as Changing Places facilities. It would provide adequate parking facilities as well as being accessible via public transport.

Members were thanked for their work in getting the project to this point, and specific thanks were given to Peter Gilbertson, Senior Project Management Officer.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Confirmed that the previous decision made in December 2020 to develop a dual split site proposal, with new pools being developed at both the Quarry and SSV, is currently unaffordable and development of SSV needs to be prioritised, with a full assessment being undertaken in due course on the future options for the Quarry site.

2.     Authorised an 8-week public consultation on the development proposals for SSV, including a competition standard pool and studio pool and improvements to the fitness centre.

3.     Agreed that once the public consultation is completed, the results are to be reported back to Cabinet and then Full Council for a decision on whether to amend the proposals and/ or to proceed with the capital funding for the design and construction of the SSV facilities.