Shrewsbury swimming pool consultation report published

A report which analyses Shropshire Council’s recent consultation into future swimming provision in Shrewsbury has been published today on the council website.

The five-month consultation, which closed on 30 October 2015, received nearly 2,000 responses from individuals, partners, clubs, groups, councillors and businesses across the county.

Shropshire Council appointed industry experts 4 global Consulting to undertake a critical review of the consultation and their report has now been published – along with an infographic highlighting the main findings.

Seven different site options were put forward as part of the consultation:
- The refurbishment of the existing Quarry Pool
- The renovation of the existing Quarry Pool
- A new build on site of the existing Quarry Pool
- A new build on land at Clayton Way
- A new build on land at Ellesmere Road
- A new build on land at the Shrewsbury Sports Village
- A new build on land at Shrewsbury College

Combined, the Quarry options represent 68.06% of the most preferred responses – with a new build on the Quarry site receiving 22.89%, a refurbishment of the Quarry receiving 23.50% and an upgrade of the Quarry receiving 21.67%.

Respondents cited the central location, accessibility, economic impact on the town centre and convenience as the main reasons for the Quarry preference.

The Shrewsbury Sports Village was the most preferred alternative location (16.54%) with respondents citing the complementary existing facilities, ease of access and good parking.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“I’d like to thank 4 global for their thorough and detailed analysis of the consultation and its findings. This report, alongside a range of other considerations including financial affordability, will help the council to bring forward detailed proposals for future swimming provision in Shrewsbury.”

A report recommending a preferred option is due to be considered by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet in July 2016.