Decision to be made on new £10.7m leisure centre in north Norfolk
An artist's impression of the interior of the proposed Sheringham Leisure Centre. Image: NNDC - Credit: Archant
Plans for a £10.7m leisure centre in north Norfolk, which could possibly include a wave machine in a new swimming pool, are to be decided today.
An artist's impression of the exterior of the proposed Sheringham Leisure Centre. Image: NNDC - Credit: Archant
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) wants to build the centre in Sheringham to replace Splash, which opened in the town in 1988 featuring a wave machine, slide and shallow end which mimics a beach.
The plans for a more conventional pool put forward by the council have been criticised by fans of the unusual 'beach-style' facilities at the current site.
But an officers' report published ahead of today's council meeting has given fans of the current set-up and Sheringham Town Council hope that the new site could still include their favourites, and possibly more. The town council wants a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and cycle path access along Weybourne Road added to plans.
The report states that the decision whether to include a wave machine would be a commercial operational matter.
Fun for all the family at the 30th anniversary celebrations at Splash. Photo: KAREN BETHELL - Credit: Archant
And it adds: 'There is therefore no objection to the principle of replacing the existing Splash facility with a new leisure offer designed to meet the identified needs of the local community.'
The report continues: 'The existing Splash facility, whilst well used by residents and visitors alike, is reaching the end of its designed life and has become expensive to operate and maintain.
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'An opportunity to provide more modern and efficient facilities through replacement rather than refurbishment are being considered and this application sets out the replacement facility under consideration.'
The council's plans to demolish the current buildings and replace them with a new two-storey leisure centre with swimming pool are recommended for approval, subject to conditions, by NNDC's development committee.
The plans include a six-lane 25-metre pool, a learner pool and multi-purpose studios, plus a new fitness suite and wet/dry changing facilities, and a new skate park.
The council previously said that slides and a wave machine at the new centre would cost too much to install and maintain.
It has also said a conventional swimming pool, rather than a leisure pool, was needed in order to secure Sport England funding for the project.
