Facts about the pool
I write to set the record straight for your readers about swimming pools as inaccurate figures are being used in some articles and correspondence on this issue, along with claims that the plans for the Wakefield pool are being downgraded.
When we started looking at swimming and health and fitness facilities in the district, we allocated 10m for Wakefield and 1.9m for Hemsworth.
Sport England contributed a grant of 750,000 towards the proposed Hemsworth pool. A feasibility study showed, however, that even a basic pool would cost 3m.
This meant we could not afford to go ahead with a pool at Hemsworth and the Sport England grant of 750,000 was consequently withdrawn.
We have never had more than 10m in the budget for a pool and health and fitness centre for Wakefield, though for a time we considered combining the two budgets for one facility. This is clearly not possible in the current economic climate and we are working to the original budget of 10m - a significant investment in a swimming and health & fitness facility.
Only now that we have planning permission for a new swimming pool for Wakefield, can we sit down with a specialist contractor and discuss what we can get for that 10m budget. Our priority is getting that contractor in at the earliest possible stage so we can ensure we get the best facilities within budget for Wakefield One.
Andy Wallhead,
Corporate Director
Regeneration &
Economic Growth
Wakefield Council
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
