Go-ahead for revamp of swimming baths

Cannock Chase Council's cabinet has decided to go ahead with a scheme to re-model the pools at Chase Leisure Centre, increase spectator seating and expand the fitness suite.

Meeting in private, councillors voted in favour of an option to convert the existing 33.3 metre, six-lane main stretch of water into two pools. The multi-million-pound project will create a 25-metre, six-lane competition pool and a 13-by-seven metre, variable depth pool. There will also be a moving floor, and seating for spectators will be boosted by 60 to 230.

The council has been told by Sport England that its application for funding to re-model the centre has been brought into the final stage for £500,000 grant funding.

This is a national bidding process under the Free Swimming Modernisation Fund.

The final stage bid needs to be submitted by February 1, 2010, and a decision will be made by Sport England later in the year.

Councillor Mick Grocott, portfolio leader for culture, sport and services for children and young people said: "This is fantastic news for Cannock Chase Council and our residents."We are committed to improving our leisure facilities across the district, and this funding bid if successful will help us make major changes at Chase Leisure Centre that will be beneficial to all ages.

"We have already had thousands of our residents take advantage of the free swimming session for under-16s and over 60s. We should know during 2010 if we have been successful in our bid."

If the council is successful in the bid it will pave the way to the multi-million-pound project that will see the major transformation of Chase Leisure Centre."

The teaching pool at the centre will be refurbished and significant improvements will be made to the facilities at the leisure centre.

They include a larger fitness suite with dedicated changing facilities.