A modern contemporary two storey building on land at Oswald Park, next to the current Leisure Centre which it will replace, will contain two swimming pools, multi-use sports hall, fitness gym, dance/function hall, sauna and steam areas as well as a c
afeteria and creche, and is expected to be opened in mid 2010.
A full size football pitch and Multi Use Games Area will be provided in the second phase of the development. Floodlighting and pitch changing rooms will require separate permissions. Access to the new centre will be via the existing driveway to the college on Shrewsbury Road.
Five letters of concern were received from the public regarding the omission of squash courts from the new building, Technical Services at the council responding that the current demand does not justify provision, but if budget allows a future extension could include a squash court.
Development Control Service Manager, Edwina Smart, said time and effort has gone into the design of the building which will be prominent when approached from the town centre and at the entry into the town.
The planning officer's report concluded: "It is accepted that the proposal represents the only realistic opportunity to provide identifiable and required improvements to leisure and sporting facilities in the town and that this, together with the quality of the design, and with no other material considerations indicating otherwise, is sufficient to warrant approval as a departure from the adopted Oswestry Borough Local Plan."
The full article contains 270 words and appears in Border Counties Advertizer newspaper.
