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Quarry Swimming Centre Consultation

The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre still generates a high level of patronage. The four pools allow considerable flexibility for the programming of swimming activities, albeit pool tank design and provision over two floors does not lend itself to maximising attendance.  There are significant costs associated with maintaining this level of provision within an old and deteriorating building.  The age of the facility means that in the near future the council is likely to be required to invest substantial sums into the building simply to keep it operational.
 
Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council appointed SMC Charter Architects to undertake a detailed architectural and technical appraisal of the implications and cost of providing a refurbished or new swimming facility in the Borough.  Specialist sport and leisure consultants Torkildsen Barclay undertook an assessment of the future swimming needs of the Borough. 
 
The full report is attached below.
 
pdf report (PDF format, 2Mb)
 
The "type" of pools within the current centre comprises traditional rectangular tanks, and whilst the flume and diving boards provide an element of "fun", there is a limited leisure appeal for younger children and families. For a casual swimmer the exact length of a pool, for instance, may not be of major importance, but it will be a significant factor for the competitive swimmer.  There is a perceived need for a 25m x 8-lane short course competition pool to serve the county.  The county does not currently have such a facility and none are planned elsewhere.
 
Determining what is required for the future is not the function of a single factor, but requires consideration of a range of influences and factors.
 
The Council has an aspiration to protect and improve on current swimming and fitness facilities, increasing efficiency and effectiveness and with significant revenue savings.
 
The table below details the options currently under consideration.  These options are described in more detail in the full report.
 
Option Estimated Capital Cost Positives - for guidance only - this does not constitute a full list Negatives - for guidance only - this does not constitute a full list

1. A major Refurbishment of the existing Quarry Pools in phased development

£9,667,000

Facility remains partially open during refurbishment

Existing building degrading

Car parking space remains limited

2. A Major Refurbishment of the Quarry Pools in one go - this would mean a Closure of 15 - 18 months

£8,305,000

Cheaper than previous option

Existing building degrading

Current users without facility for 18 months

Car parking space remains limited

3. Demolish Existing Building and Construct New Building on the Site. This would mean a closure of 15 - 18 months

£7,356,000

Purpose built facility

Popular town centre venue

Facilities suitable for purpose

Current users without facility for 18 month

Town centre venue

4. Construct a new facility on a New Site

£7,213,000

Purpose built facility

Opportunity to substantially improve car parking provision

Capital receipt on sale of existing site

Shortage of viable or available sites

Transport issues if out of town location

5. Construct a New Building on the existing site to include provision for "Leisure Water" - Irregular shaped fun pool.

£7,750, 000

Town centre location

Current users without facility for 18 months

6. Construct a New Building on New Site to include provision for "leisure water" - irregular shaped fun pool.

£7,607,000

(Estimated

Cost)

Purpose built facility

Includes leisure (fun) water

Improved car parking provision

Shortage of viable or available sites

Transport issues if out of town

7. Do nothing

  

No capital cost

No short term disruption to swimming provision

Facility continues to degrade

Maintenance and revenue costs continue to escalate

Future swimming provision at risk

 
For more information on the consultation process contact Nick Fisher on 01743 281141 or email nicola.fisher@shrewsbury.gov.uk
 
To comment on the process or the options please email leisure.services@shrewsbury.gov.uk
 
Thank you for your participation.