£24m St Albans leisure scheme to proceed
by Pete Hayman | 09 Jun 2011
A review into the scheme was carried out following the May elections
Councillors have voted to proceed with the £24m Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre project in St Albans, Hertfordshire, following an independent review of the scheme's business case.
The review took place after a Conservative-led administration took control of St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) following the local government elections in May. At a meeting on 7 June, cabinet members decided to move forward with the S&P Architects-designed scheme, which has already commenced and is to be delivered by Willmott Dixon.
However, councillors have called for the head of community services to consider increasing the size of the proposed main 25m swimming pool from eight lanes to ten lanes. The review found that the alteration could be possible within the existing budget if savings can be identified elsewhere in the project.
Meanwhile, the SACDC review noted the likely impact of a lower level of gym membership but said that debt repayments spread over at least 35 years would make the scheme viable. SACDC portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage Mike Wakely said: "Cabinet has considered the business plan and identified actions which are needed to make the project viable.
"We have also requested that an option to increase the number of lanes in the pool from eight to ten is pursued subject to agreement with Willmott Dixon that it can be done within the existing budget." Facilities at the new Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre will also include a 500sq m (5,382sq ft) spa area with 60sq m (646sq ft) terrace overlooking the nearby abbey.
Councillors have voted to proceed with the £24m Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre project in St Albans, Hertfordshire, following an independent review of the scheme's business case. The review took place after a Conservative-led administration took control of St Albans City and District Council (SACDC) following the local government elections in May. At a meeting on 7 June, cabinet members decided to move forward with the S&P Architects-designed scheme, which has
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