Shrewsbury leisure centre could get swimming pools

The proposals would allow Shrewsbury Sports Village to host swimming galas, a report said

A leisure centre could get two new swimming pools as part of a £28m redevelopment.

Shropshire Council is considering making changes to Shrewsbury Sports Village and the plans are due to go before its cabinet next week.

The plans also include poolside seating for 250 spectators, new reception and soft play areas, a new gym and a dance studio.

A council report said the changes would allow swimming galas to be held.

The proposals include the creation of a 25m (82ft), eight-lane pool at the centre on Sundorne Road, with another 17m (55ft) by 10m (32ft) studio pool, which would feature a moveable floor for learners and other water sports.

'Exciting project'

They suggest the larger pool would be able to accommodate up to 250 competitors.

Robert Macey, the council's cabinet member responsible for culture, said he was keen to hear people's views on the "exciting project", which he said would bring "regional competitions and swimming galas to our sites".

He stressed that the plans had no implications on decisions that are due to be made on the future of the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre in the town centre.

Plans for a rebuild of that pool and a new one at Shrewsbury Sports Village were put on hold in 2022, to prioritise a plan for a £12.1m pool and leisure development in Whitchurch.

Cabinet members are being asked to approve an eight-week long public consultation on the proposals when they meet on 17 January.