Outsourcing group proposes new leisure centre for Birmingham suburb
PLANS for a new leisure centre, complete with six-lane 25-metre swimming pool, have been recommended for approval by Birmingham’s planners.
The new facility in Stechford would also include a learner pool, poolside seating for up to 100 spectators, a four-court sports hall, a large fitness suite with 120 stations, dance studio for up to 45 people, a café with community facilities and accompanying changing areas.
Applicant Serco is proposing to locate the new leisure centre to the immediate south of the existing Stechford Cascades Leisure Centre, on land partially used for car parking as well as public open space including a children’s play area.
To the front of the proposed building would be a one-way entrance and exit off Station Road, with 51 parking spaces, a taxi drop-off bay and access to the service yard.
The proposed leisure centre is one of a number of planned replacement facilities set for Birmingham, which will all be operated on a third party basis by Serco.
The services group said the existing Cascades Swimming Baths were now unsuitable for improvement, principally because they did not generate enough revenue without subsidy.
The programme for the provision of the new leisure centre facilities is to provide cross-subsidy through the provision of a range of facilities within the building itself. Serco said the proposal had been designed in accordance with guidance from Sport England, provided an economically sustainable model, met local need, in particular, local demand for a fitness suite and the requirement for a large community room/exercise space.
Planning officers have said the proposal would see the replacement of an existing out-dated facility, with the added benefit of new and much-needed leisure/recreational facilities.
The officers said that despite the loss of public open space the resultant gain was in the best interests of the community.
The existing play area would be relocated to a new site nearby.
Councillors on the city’s planning committee will consider the proposals on Thursday (July 21).
