Swimming pool application soon

A COUNCIL expect a planning application for a multi-million pound pool and fitness centre in Wakefield city centre will be submitted in the next few weeks.

The old pool was demolished in 2007 after a controversial closure and campaigners have fought to see a new facility built on a city centre site.

Plans are now progressing on the creation of a new multi-million pound city centre swimming pool at the Sun Lane site in Wakefield. A planning application is due to be submitted in late March or April for the Wakefield Council project which is worth around 10m.

Wakefield Council decided to shut the old Sun Lane pool in 2006.

At the time a report to the council’s Cabinet said: “Sun Lane swimming pool, built in 1936, has reached the end of its useful life and closed on June 5, 2006.

“It is not economically viable to repair and, as the structure is starting to fail, work has been commissioned to determine the requirements for the demolition of the existing building.”

There was a possibility that an alternative location might be used for the new facility, but council chiefs last year said they had changed their minds.

The new pool will be housed in a two-storey, glass-entranced building on the former Sun Lane baths site.

Features will include a moveable floor to provide flexibility in its uses, meaning more of the community can access the centre for different uses.

The new centre will also include:

n An eight-lane 25-metre pool;

n A smaller learner pool;

n A 130-station fitness suite;

n A multi-use activity studio;

n A health suite with spa bath, steam room and sauna;

n 200-capacity spectator viewing area and public cafe.

Public talks were held on the initial plans at the end of last year and around 250 people had their say.

Last night Coun Denise Jeffery, council deputy leader and Cabinet member for sport, said: “We wanted to give people the opportunity to have their say on this important project and I’m glad to see people did – so thank you to everyone.

“The feedback has been really positive which is excellent.

“The early images show what the centre could look like and I’m sure people will agree that it already looks impressive.”

Following the consultation, people from across the city either strongly agreed or disagreed that the new city pool would have a positive impact on the district.

The public survey also showed people believed the move would contribute to the health and well being of residents; would provide a positive user experience; would encourage residents to use the council’s sports and leisure facilities more often.

A number of other issues were raised.

These included car parking, location and access for disabled people, and these will be considered as the project moves forward.

A key feature to be included in the building is a toilet and changing facility for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious impairments such as spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis or an acquired brain injury. These extra features include height adjustable adult- sized changing benches, a tracking hoist system, space for the disabled person and up to two carers, centrally placed toilet and screens for extra privacy.

This would be available for anyone visiting the city and not just users of the facility.

The authority has said that the pool is a “major project” for the city.

For more information about the project visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/citypool or call Wakefield Council on 0845 8 506 506.

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