DROITWICH could be set to get more than £13million worth of leisure investment to help improve residents’ health and wellbeing.
The cash boost has been unveiled by Wychavon District Council and will include £7million to upgrade Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre, more than £5million to enhance Droitwich Lido for visitors, a new skate park, pump track and health corridor, along with a replacement athletics track.
Wychavon originally announced plans last year to build a new leisure centre for Droitwich Spa but the soaring cost of inflation means a new centre would cost over £30million, with a significant increase in energy costs. A new centre with enhanced carbon-cutting measures would cost £42million.
Decision makers believe the cash would be better spent improving leisure facilities across the town so as many residents as possible could benefit, rather than focusing all the funding on one site.
Alternative proposals to boost town’s wellbeing
Instead, the town’s leisure centre would get an extended reception, cafe and new learner pool, refurbished treatment rooms, increased parking and carbon cutting measures.
The Worcester Road entrance to Droitwich Lido would be improved and the upstairs of the Art Deco building will be revamped, potentially to house a restaurant..
Other proposed Lido upgrades would include sauna and steam pods, a children’s play area and a transformation of the historic ‘Milk Bar’ area into a small holistic therapy salt room.
A new skate park on King George V Playing Fields would replace the current one which is beyond economic repair.
Over £125,000 would be put aside for a new pump track in response to feedback from local youngsters with sites still being considered.
A £1million investment by the Droitwich Spa Place Board is proposed to create a new health corridor between Vines Park and Churchfields Farm. This will involve the creation of a formal towpath, solar lighting, new mooring and benches. There will also be a kayak launch and an e-bike hire scheme.
And lastly, the plans propose a £252,000 investment in a replacement athletics track at Droitwich Spa High School, in partnership with the school.
Coun Aaron Powell, EB member for resources and investment on Wychavon District Council, said: “This is an ambitious proposal that will use council taxpayers’ money in a more targeted and cost-effective way to improve access to leisure opportunities for people across Droitwich Spa in several ways, rather than concentrating everything on one site.
If approved, detailed plans for each project will be worked up and delivered over the next four years. Each scheme will need further approval from councillors and there will be consultation with the public.
Coun Richard Morris, the council’s EB member for economic growth and tourism added: “If approved, this package will make a significant contribution to achieving the vision set out in the Droitwich Spa Investment Prospectus of making the town a leisure, health and wellbeing destination.”
Councillors on Wychavon’s Executive Board (EB) are due to discuss the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday, February 7.
