A £5 million scheme to revamp Chester’s historic baths has been unveiled.
The ambitious programme is part of a new investment plan to improve leisure facilities in and around the city.
Cheshire West and Chester Council is expected to take the first step towards unlocking an investment in leisure facilities in Chester and Ellesmere Port.
Members of the council’s executive will next Wednesday be asked to approve the sourcing of a strategic partner to drive forward the major investment.
They will also be asked to agree Stanney Oaks as the preferred location for a £11 million leisure and sports facility to replace Ellesmere Port’s ageing EPIC leisure centre. The new centre would offer state-of-the-art wet and dry sports facilities, an regional indoor sports arena and an events venue.
Members will also be asked to re-categorise the £5 million redevelopment of Chester City Baths as priority one – bringing forward the project to 2011-14.
The proposals are part of a masterplan detailing a total of £59.5 million investment in the borough’s leisure facilities over the next decade.
The plans would also see Chester benefit from a £15 million state-of-the-art wet and dry sports and leisure venue incorporating a regional diving centre.
An additional £2 million has been earmarked for the development of replacement outdoor provision within the city’s green belt – if required. Since the masterplan was unveiled a year ago, council officers have been working with industry specialists Knight Kavanagh Page to carry out detailed studies of existing leisure stock and identify potential funding sources.
Cllr Stuart Parker, executive member for culture and recreation, said: “We have carried out a great deal of work since the review which has put us in a strong and informed position.
“We are now ready to identify a suitable partner to help us deliver this major investment which will provide the people of Chester and Ellesmere Port with top quality facilities designed to meet the highest standards required in future decades.”