Plans for a new five-lane, 25-metre community swimming pool were unanimously approved by the council’s planning committee last year, marking a significant milestone for the city.
The development will be the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city in around 40 years, providing a welcome addition to local leisure and recreational facilities.
Last year, members of the council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve plans for the 5-lane, 25m community pool, the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city for around 40 years.
Design Changes
Since then, the plans for the pool have been adapted, following feedback from residents. There's now a new design for the changing village to incorporate a family and communal cubicle changing area, alongside designated cubicles for men and women. There will also be accessible changing facilities.
Procurement for the main building contract has also taken place, alongside work to discharge the necessary planning pre-commencement conditions.
Rising Costs
Unfortunately, due to the global economic crisis and impact on the construction industry created by conflict in the Middle East, the proposed construction costs have increased.
As a result, Cabinet members are being asked to consider increasing the budget to deliver this much needed facility.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries said:
This is a once in a generation opportunity to provide a new swimming pool at Withdean, so it's really important that we ensure it is delivered to meet the needs of the city and local community.
Residents had a huge input in helping us shape the initial plans for the pool and, after listening to feedback, we have made some additional changes to the design.
Swimming remains the most popular activity for our residents and, as a coastal city, so it's great that our children and young people will benefit from a brand new pool and further opportunities to learn to swim.
Funding and Consultation
The new swimming pool has been designed to reduce environmental impact, and create a healthy, energy-efficient building for future generations.
The project will be funded from a combination of section106 developer contributions and capital borrowing.
Plans for the pool were developed in response to the council's Sports Facilities Investment Plan (SFIP) in a bid to meet the huge demand for more swimming facilities in the city.
Plans for the new facility were drawn up following a city-wide consultation and discussions with local swimming clubs, community organisations, a local primary school, the council's Healthy Lifestyles Team, Freedom Leisure, which manages Withdean Sports Complex on behalf of the council, and the national governing body Swim England.
