What's Happening?
Swimmers in Shropshire have expressed their support for plans to expand the Shrewsbury Sports Village, originally built in 2005. The proposal, submitted by Shropshire Council, includes the addition of two new swimming pools, one of which is a 25-meter, eight-lane pool designed for county championships and general swimming. The facility will also feature seating for 250 spectators, a children's soft play area, a multi-purpose studio, a dance studio, and a 30-station spin cycle studio. Megan Frost, chair of the Shropshire Amateur Swimming Association, highlighted the lack of a competition pool in the county, which has forced events to be held in Wolverhampton. Anna Fletcher, chair of the Shrewsbury Amateur Swimming Club, emphasized the importance of having a local facility to support over 100 swimmers from the area.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Shrewsbury Sports Village is significant as it addresses the long-standing need for a competition-standard swimming pool within Shropshire. This development is expected to enhance local sports infrastructure, making swimming more accessible to residents and reducing the need for travel to other counties for competitions. The new facilities will support the growth of swimming as a sport in the region, particularly among young people, and provide a venue that meets modern standards for training and events. The backing from local swimming associations underscores the community's demand for improved sports amenities.
What's Next?
The proposal was discussed by Shrewsbury Town Council's planning committee, which did not reject the application but raised concerns about the removal of parking spaces. Sport England has requested to be consulted urgently, indicating that further discussions and adjustments may be necessary before the plans can proceed. The involvement of Sport England suggests that the project will need to align with broader sports development goals and standards.
