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Plans for a new community swimming pool at Withdean Sports Complex continue to move forward, with a final decision due to be made at December’s Cabinet meeting. Last year, members of the council’s planning committee voted unanimously to approve plans for the 5-lane, 25m community pool – the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city for around 40 years.
Since then, the plans have been adapted following resident feedback, incorporating a new design for the changing village to include family, communal, and designated cubicles, alongside accessible facilities. Procurement for the main building contract and work to discharge planning pre-commencement conditions have also taken place.
However, proposed construction costs have increased due to the global economic crisis and the impact on the construction industry from conflict in the Middle East. Consequently, Cabinet members are being asked to consider increasing the budget for the facility.
“"This is a once in a generation opportunity to provide a new swimming pool at Withdean, so it’s really important that we ensure it is delivered to meet the needs of the city and local community. Residents had a huge input in helping us shape the initial plans for the pool and, after listening to feedback, we have made some additional changes to the design. Swimming remains the most popular activity for our residents and, as a coastal city, so it’s great that our children and young people will benefit from a brand new pool and further opportunities to learn to swim."
The new swimming pool is designed to reduce environmental impact and create a healthy, energy-efficient building. The project will be funded by a combination of section106 developer contributions and capital borrowing. The plans were developed in response to the council’s Sports Facilities Investment Plan (SFIP) to meet high demand for swimming facilities.
