A REPORT backing proposals for a new £13.1 million pool and fitness centre in Whitchurch will go before Shropshire Council's cabinet next week.
The report will be forward for approval on Wednesday, September 7 after an eight-week consultation in which members of the public expressed "overwhelming support" for the building of a new centre.
The new centre will feature a six-lane 25m pool with a movable floor, a 35-station fitness suite, multi-function rooms and a cafe.
Councillor Lezley Picton, the leader of Shropshire Council, spoke about the 'final report to get us on our way to start construction'.
She said: "It is really important, we realise how important the pool situation is.
"The approved consultation results were given and it was received extremely well.
"This new paper, it is the final report to get us on our way to start construction.
"We are really hopeful we can get it built as soon as possible."
Cllr Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said health and wellbeing is a priority for the unitary authority.
She added: "We are keen to open this excellent swimming and leisure centre to people in an around Whitchurch by 2025.
"There has been a swell of public support in response to our consultation and we are determined to make our vision a reality as soon as we are able.
"A key priority for Shropshire Council is to improve health and wellbeing at all stages of life and increasing participation in physical activity across the community is crucial to this."
The plan is to build the new fitness centre in the same site as the old swimming pool in Bridgewater Street.
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The old swimming pool has remained closed since March 2020 and councillors from Shropshire Council heard last summer a new centre was the most cost effective after a number of defects were discovered.
The new centre is Sport England standard, but Clare Featherstone, the head of culture, leisure and tourism for Shropshire Council added it is unlikely to be completed before 2025.
She said: "It is unlikely we will be able to get it built before 2025.
"It will depend on what happens on the ground.
"We will do our best to get it done and if we can bring it forward we will."
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