Residents are being given more time to share their views on proposals to replace the ageing King Alfred with a new flagship leisure centre.
The online questionnaire, which provides information and invites comments on the council’s proposals for a new leisure facility in the west of the city, will remain open for a further 2 weeks, now closing on 16 February.
So far, nearly 3,000 residents have completed the questionnaire and hundreds have attended drop-in sessions to speak to council officers and find out more about the site options and proposals.
However, in response to requests for more time, and in a bid to reach as many people as possible, the questionnaire deadline has been extended.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Economic Development Committee, explained: “While we are delighted that thousands of residents have already shared their views and comments with us, we are also aware that there are many others who need more time to review the details of the proposals and respond.
“After several failed attempts to re-develop the King Alfred, we believe our current proposals offer a unique and ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to finally make this happen.
"But it’s vital that we get it right and we can only do this by involving and listening to our residents.
“I would urge everyone to take the time to fill in the questionnaire - tell your family and friends and share with any groups or organisations you belong to.
“We’re not asking for an ‘either or’ response but want to know what you want to see from any future sports facility and whether our proposals meet your needs.
“The feedback you give us will be hugely important as we move forward to develop an exciting, modern and sustainable new leisure centre we can all be proud of.”
Residents are being asked to comment on proposals for a new facility at 2 possible sites:
Each of the sites offers potential for a ‘state of the art’ leisure centre, complete with 25 metre competition swimming pool, separate learner pool and splash pad, sports hall, health and fitness facilities, including gym and cycling studio, group exercise space and café.
The proposals for each site differ due to size, cost, building considerations and constraints, and are dependent on selling some or all of the current site for a residential-led development.
Responses of the engagement will be taken into account alongside work with independent experts to review the costs, benefits and challenges of the delivery options and cost proposals.
The final decision will be taken back to the council’s Culture, Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Economic Development Committee in the summer.
On site work is still expected to begin in 2025.
More information can be found on our King Alfred development webpages.
