PLANS have been unveiled by Wychavon District Council to build a brand new £20million to £25million leisure centre for Droitwich Spa.
The current centre is more than 40 years old and no longer meets modern energy efficiency standards.
The layout of the building also means it is not fit for purpose in meeting users’ needs.
A recent condition report found it was showing its age and operating way beyond its expected lifespan.
The technology used to heat the swimming pool is a particular issue, with parts becoming difficult to find.
Refurbishing the existing building is not an option as it would require major reconstruction which would close the centre for up to 18 months.
It has been agreed to explore building a new centre at the back of the current site and the older 3G pitch in Salwarpe Valley, at an estimated cost of £20 million to £25 million.
The proposed centre would have the same facilities as Evesham Leisure Centre but with a six-lane swimming pool, seating for about 200 spectators and two squash courts.
A new multi-level soft play facility could also be included and a large café to attract visitors.
It would be built to modern energy-efficiency standards with the potential to significantly reduce its carbon emissions or potentially make it carbon neutral depending on the final design.
Once the new centre was completed, the current centre would be demolished to make way for increased car parking.
At an Executive Board meeting on Wednesday councillors agreed to spend up to £500,000 on a feasibility study to explore the proposals in more detail and come up with a final option for approval.
Coun Chris Day, Executive Board Member for Housing, Health and Wellbeing on Wychavon District Council, said: “This is an exciting proposal which can deliver a much-needed, modern and fit for purpose facility to meet Droitwich
Spa’s leisure needs for the next 30 years and another example of our commitment to investing in supporting our residents’ health and wellbeing.
“I look forward to seeing the full, detailed plan in due course.”
Coun John Hartley, who represents Droitwich Spa Central, said: “I am absolutely thrilled about this news – I have long been campaigning for a new leisure centre.
“Quite a lot of Wychavon’s emissions come from this building and the new one would meet multiple objectives.
“As well as reducing our carbon footprint, it would also provide much-needed leisure facilities for our town which is increasing in population size all the time.”
