Cabinet to discuss the future of swimming provision in Shrewsbury

The future of swimming provision in Shrewsbury, which includes the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, is to be discussed by councillors at a meeting of Shropshire Council’s Cabinet on Wednesday 30 July 2014.

The council has previously stated that it is committed to swimming pool provision in Shrewsbury but it recognises that, although well-used, the aging Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre is in need of significant investment, and is costly to run.

Its replacement or major refurbishment is something that has long been aspired to by Shropshire Council and the former Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council, subject to funding being available.

The report to Cabinet asks councillors to agree that officers begin working with partners to progress improved swimming provision within Shrewsbury to the feasibility stage.  A further report would then be provided to Cabinet once the different options are appraised.

The report also recommends that a three-month public consultation is undertaken to allow people to comment on the possible options of future swimming provision.  If approved, it is expected that the consultation will start before the end of the year.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure, libraries and culture, said:

“We understand the importance of this facility and we are already talking to a number of stakeholders, including The Severn Loop Local Joint Committee and the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Forum.

“We are keen to continue and expand on this to ensure that we are able to provide people in Shrewsbury with the best possible swimming and leisure facilities, albeit within the finite resources we have.”