Future is bright for leisure centre (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Future is bright for leisure centre

THE future of Cirencester's proposed new leisure centre is safe.

Controversial options were drawn up, which could have seen the new facility built without a swimming pool or sports hall.

But, after re-examining the scheme as part of a major spending review, Cotswold District Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the original plans.

And that means that work on the facility, which could cost up to £6.7 million, will start on August 31 next year.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday, Conservative leader Julie Girling said: "We felt the community would be better served going for the plans that were already proposed.

"That's not to say that I don't think this has been a worthwhile exercise. We've gone into the issues of this leisure centre very carefully."

While Independent member Sue Herdman added: "This (original plan) is the best choice. It's central to the town. What is the use of having a leisure centre without all its parts? I didn't agree with the design but I lost that point and we've got to move on."

Plans were agreed by the previous council for the new centre to be built on the Cirencester Cattle Market site, as part of a joint project with St James's Place.

The financial services firm will then build its new headquarters on the existing leisure centre site.

But the controlling Tory group asked for fresh plans to be drawn up, based on a reduced budget of £5 million, and these included options for a centre without a pool, or a facility without a sports hall.

Squash courts, spa facilities and the bar and restaurant may also have been axed.

The fresh options were exposed in documents leaked to the Standard two months ago.

But the council eventually decided they were unacceptable and members voted 35-1 in favour of continuing with the original scheme.

The new centre will include main and learner pools, a poolside seating area, a six court multi-hall, three squash courts, spa facilities, a gym with 60 workstations, a dance studio, a bar and restaurant, a dedicated creche, office and meeting accommodation and wet, dry and group changing areas.

The news was welcomed by Peter Matthews, who runs Cirencester internet firm Far Design.

The businessman had been prepared to set up a website campaigning against any reduction in facilities at the new centre.

He said: "I'm really pleased - chuffed Cirencester's not going to lose out. "I had several e-mails during the week. There was a lot of feeling going around.

"It means my kids and other people's kids can carry on as normal."