THE LEADER of Worcester City Council believes it is vital not to ‘dither’ over the building of the city’s new £10.4million swimming pool.
Coun Simon Geraghty said he was delighted plans were moving “ahead of steam” to create an eight-lane, 25 metre pool at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.
A planning application was submitted earlier this month and speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, council leaders said they were hopeful construction would begin at the Bilford Road site in October.
However, fears were expressed a change in leadership at the city council following May’s local election could put the project on hold, which Coun Geraghty, admitted could be damaging to the whole scheme.
“I do respect people’s previous views, but this is going ahead of steam and I hope whoever is in administration following May’s election takes this forward because the risks are very clear,” he said.
“If we dither and delay it would cost the taxpayer significantly and we would also be stuck with a crumbling pool for years to come.”
Coun David Wilkinson, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said the scheme was “capturing people’s imagination” as he revealed Heart of Worcestershire College have pledged £300,000.
Worcester City Council approved the project in September last year and Coun Marc Bayliss, cabinet member for economic prosperity, said he was pleased to see it progressing.
“This is the largest investment the city council has made in many years and it is interesting to note how much work has gone on since the council’s decision to make this ambition a reality,” he added.
“I think the fact we are looking forward to a £2million worth of support from Sports England vindicates our faith in going for the bigger pool.
“I hope those who are doubtful and sceptical of the project have been convinced of its merit and we can now forward to wide consensus on this excellent project.”
Speaking after the meeting, a spokeswoman from the college, said: “We are very excited to see this project moving forward in the right direction.
“The development at Perdiswell will provide modern, accessible facilities that will benefit young people, local sports clubs, community groups and the wider community.
“We fully support collaborative projects and by working closely with our partners such as the city council, we are all able to provide facilities that are both state of the art and value for money.”
