Portsmouth: Plans to build leisure centre in park go on show

The new leisure centre would replace ageing facilities, the council said

Designs for a new leisure centre to be built in a park are set to go on public display.

Portsmouth City Council has applied to construct swimming pools, gyms, outdoor sports pitches and a GP surgery in Bransbury Park.

However, protesters have criticised the design and the £22m cost.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to instead revive Eastney Swimming Pool, which is associated with the World War Two "Cockleshell Heroes".

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition to reopen Eastney Swimming Pool

The Edwardian pool, which closed in 2021, could be refurbished for £5.5m, the campaigners said.

However, the city council said Eastney pool had reached the end of its life and had no disability access.

It said the new leisure centre, which will have no on-site parking, would replace the pool as well as Wimbledon Park Sports Centre and Devonshire Avenue GP Practice.

The design, including a shared entrance for the new GP surgery and the leisure centre, will encourage patients to take up fitness regimes, the council added.

The new centre would be built in Bransbury Park

Residents have criticised the plans in early comments on the council website.

One said the design was "better suited to an industrial estate" while another berated the "ugly, modern, square building".

Eastney Swimming Pool was used to train the Cockleshell Heroes - 13 Royal Marines who attempted to paddle in kayaks to blow up German ships in Bordeaux in 1942.

Only two of the men survived the partially successful raid.

The leisure centre plans were set to be displayed at Eastney Community Centre from 14:00 until 18:00 GMT.

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