In keeping with residents in the district, your Councillors strongly support the upgrade to facilities at the Seymour Leisure Centre. We had thought we had a plan for the Library, based on the 2017-18 public consultation. Then, last year’s consultations about the Pool told us that residents wanted us to uncover and redevelop the large pool – unused for a generation - and to create a smaller swimming-pool for learners and other special purposes. An engineering study followed, to see if we could introduce a mezzanine level that would support a new sports hall. Such considerations have led to a radical revision of our plans for the Library, and these changes have delayed the project further.
The Seymour Leisure Centre is a Grade II Listed Building. Reconfiguring the space inside the building requires us to work with various external authorities, including Historic England, English Heritage and Sport England. Despite our concerns about the delay to the project, we recognise that their participation will help us to secure funding, and ensure the suitability of the proposals for the long term.
Providing that no unexpected obstacles emerge in discussions with the authorities, a future Council Cabinet meeting will consider the business plan and financial details with a revised timeline in October 2019.
Photo: Proposed Library entrance on Bryanston Place.
