PLANS for a huge revamp of Droitwich Leisure Centre are facing another delay after Wychavon District Council confirmed proposals won’t be considered until early next year.
But ideas mooted to boost leisure in the town may be much grander than first anticipated as the authority revealed it was looking at improving its offering across Droitwich.
The current centre is more than 40 years old and no longer meets modern energy efficiency standards, with the building’s layout not fit for purpose in meeting users’ needs.
A condition report found it was showing its age and operating way beyond its expected lifespan.
Plans were unveiled by the council to build a brand new £20million to £25million leisure centre last June and a feasibility study was approved.
It was hoped the feasibility study would be completed early this year for consideration.
However, at February’s executive board meeting, it was revealed more work was required to ensure all the needed information was available for the council’s executive board to make an informed decision.
Councillors were keen to ensure they built something which met Wychavon’s net-zero targets and didn’t leave them saddled with a massive bill for running it for the next 30 to 40 years.
After the initial delay, it was hoped the report would be ready to go before Wychavon’s executive board soon after May’s elections, but in August district chiefs revealed to the Standard they were now aiming for the autumn.
However, this date has again been pushed back with councillors not set to consider the study this side of Christmas.
Jayne Pickering, the council’s deputy chief executive, said the authority was now taking the opportunity to consider how it might improve leisure provision across the whole of Droitwich, as opposed to just the centre.
She added this had resulted in extra research and investigation which has resulted in council officers requiring additional time.
The leisure centre could be given the same facilities as the facility in Evesham 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.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? How would you like Droitwich’s leisure offer to be improved? Email [email protected] with your views.
