Views sought on new leisure centre facilities (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Views sought on new leisure centre facilities

12:30pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

PEOPLE can have their say on what facilities they want to see in a new controversial leisure centre planned for Wyre Forest.

Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to build the centre on the former Victoria Sports Ground on the corner of Chester Road South and Spennells Valley Road, in Kidderminster.

It is in the process of purchasing the land and obtaining outline planning permission.

The decision to build a new leisure centre followed a review of leisure provision in the district.

The new centre will include a sports hall, a swimming pool - 25 metres with 6 lanes - a learner pool, a gym and small outdoor synthetic football pitches. There will also be a cafe, bar and fitness studios.

Conservative councillor Ian Hardiman, the district council’s cabinet member with responsibility for community well-being, said: “We have a set budget for this project and we have outlined the facilities which we are planning to include. This is a minimum. Now we’d like to hear from the public as to what other facilities they would like if the funding allows. ”

He added: “Our plan is to keep the other centres open until the new centre opens. This is likely to be in 2015.

“We are also looking into whether it is financially viable to continue to operate Stourport Sports Centre as well as the new centre.

"While the Glades will definitely close, it’s likely that Bewdley Leisure Centre will remain open as usual.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can submit their views on the council’s websitewyreforestdc.gov.uk/newleisurecentre.

They can also complete a comments form at Wyre Forest Glades, Stourport Sports Centre or Bewdley Leisure Centre and the Worcestershire Hubs by March 31.