At an “urgent cabinet meeting” the council decided to push ahead with the new sports centre on the King Alfred site. They agreed that:
“Work to select and appoint a lead architect and professional team to commence the design process will now begin.
At a future cabinet meeting in summer 2025 we will seek agreement on the design and the landowner’s consent (Not sure who this is but…) for submission of a planning application.
We would not expect any work to begin on site before early 2026 and the facility is not expected to open before spring 2028.
The intention is to keep the current facility open and operating for as long as is possible.”
Fingers crossed it proceeds smoothly and the new facility will be suitable and affordable. I also hope we don’t have to move out for too long but I will look at finding an alternative venue, not too far away, for any closure and/or the future in case it doesn’t suit us.