New swimming pool gets public approval - The Worcester Observer

New swimming pool gets public approval

Worcester Editorial 4th Feb, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

RESIDENTS in Perdiswell have given their thumps up to the design of the city’s proposed new £10.4million swimming pool which is set to be built in the area.

The first images of the long-awaited eight lane pool were unveiled at Perdiswell Leisure Centre last Wednesday (January 28).

More than a hundred people turned out to see the detailed plans for the scheme, which could see the centre on Bilford Road extended to accommodate the 25 metre pool and seating for 250 spectators.

Among those included Derrick Wilks, 68, of Astwood Road, who believed a new pool would be “money well spent” by Worcester City Council, which are also looking to use external sports bodies to fund the project.




“I have no objections to it,” he said. “I think it is great and I wish it was here when I was younger. It may sound like a lot of money to spend on building a competition-size swimming pool.

“But we missed the boat with the other one. We did it wrong then, so let’s get it right this time.”


Bill Chalmers, 68, said the project, which would also also see the creation of a 18m x 10m learner pool with a movable floor to allow a variety of uses, was “long overdue”, while fellow Kingston Avenue resident Tony Chapman, 65, added: “I can’t see how it would affect local residents. This will give Worcester a competition-size swimming pool and a good facility.

“My son used to swim competitively and had to go to Cheltenham or Birmingham to be able to swim a decent length without someone being in the way. This will stop that for other people’s children.

“My view is that now you have got the arena over the river and the other university facilities, I think this will be another big plus for Worcester.”

But the scheme, which could be completed by 2016, did not go down well with everyone as some residents raised fears it would be increase traffic congestion.

One resident, who refused to be named, said: “The traffic situation is a horrendous and this is not going to help matters. We know the swimming pool has got to go somewhere and this seems like a good place to have it, but what happens when there are swimming galas? We are very concerned.

However, speaking after the event, Richard Savory, project manager, added: “The exhibition went very well and we had over 100 people attending it. Feedback to the pool plans was overwhelmingly positive.”

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.