MAY I clarify proposals for the development of the Barbican site in light of recent letters to the Evening Press?
The consultation earlier this year confirmed a desire to maintain swimming on the Barbican site and retain fitness and play facilities. Refurbishment of Yearsley and Edmund Wilson pools was also strongly supported.
After the election, Coun Steve Galloway and I met with Barbican Venture to assess the results of the consultation. They were asked to review their proposals to address the views expressed.
As swimmers know there has been a threat of closure for some time. Liberal Democrats campaigned against closure.
The new proposal for a community pool would increase the receipts to the council from the Barbican development by £1.4 million. This would help fund the refurbishment of the other pools - the only funding option available as central government will not allow the council to borrow to invest in leisure facilities.
One of the results of the latest proposals would be additional residential properties on the "brownfield" Barbican site, thus reducing pressure for green development. This is again consistent with our manifesto pledge.
The proposals are due to go out to consultation this month. The options will be a "county standard" pool creating a £3 million receipt or a smaller "community pool" which would raise £4.4 million and retain popular facilities on the Barbican site.
Please let us know your views.
Coun Keith Orrell,
Executive member for leisure & heritage,
The Guildhall,
Updated: 11:44 Thursday, July 03, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article