Plans to transform sports centre given go-ahead

Shropshire Council will spend just under £2.5m on new designs for Shrewsbury Sports Village

Plans to transform a sports facility in a Shropshire town have been given the go-ahead.

Shropshire Council agreed to draw up the designs and planning application for Shrewsbury Sports Village, at a cost of just under £2.5m.

The plans, which include a new pool, spectator seating and accessible toilets, were shaped following a public consultation.

The council is facing significant cuts, aiming to make £62.5m in savings, however the project would be funded through the authority's capital budget, which will not impact on day-to-day spending.

"We are not allowed to use our capital budget to pay for the delivery of our services," said Robert Macey, from the council.

"It’s money that we must use to invest in projects that support economic, housing and population growth, and this is one of them."

All existing facilities would be kept, including its main sports hall, badminton courts, football pitches, and netball courts.

The authority also agreed that, under the project, the sports village should eventually become all electric, with pre-existing gas boilers decommissioned.

The future of Shrewsbury's Quarry swimming pool remains uncertain.

A report in January said maintaining both pools was "unviable", though some councillors argued it was still needed in the town centre.

"No decision has been made on the future of The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre," said Mr Macey.

He added that the authority would commission a study to look at future options for the Quarry pool.

"The council has no plans to sell the site or propose alternative uses there," he said.

Plans for new facilities at Shrewsbury Sports Village include:

• A 25m, eight-lane pool

• 17m x 10m studio pool with moveable floor

• Seating in pool hall for 250 spectators and space for 250 competitors

• New reception area, lobby, and cafe

• Children’s soft play area

• 130-station fitness suite

• Dance studio

• Accessible toilets