The planning application for the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick has been submitted this week (Monday 28 January).
The council has already undertaken a six-week pre-planning consultation which ended on 20 January 2019.
This consultation gave residents the opportunity to put forward their views on the design and facility mix of the planned new Sandwell Aquatics Centre at Londonderry Playing Fields in Smethwick.
Responses to the consultation have been overwhelmingly positive and have provided the council with constructive feedback and recommendations which has helped develop the final design of the facility to meet the future needs of Sandwell residents.
Residents were reassured that concerns about the potential increase in local traffic, providing improved transport links and adequate parking spaces will be addressed by the council during the planning process.
The constructive feedback provided by the community has been considered when writing the planning application.
Councillor Bill Gavan, cabinet member for leisure, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and provided us with valuable feedback that will help us improve the designs and facility mix of the new Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick.
“The feedback has been used in our planning application to ensure the centre will meet the needs of Sandwell residents for generations to come.
“The application will now be considered by local planning authority over the next few months."
Proposals for the new aquatics centre facility include:
- A Olympic-sized competition swimming pool, a 25m diving pool, and a community pool;
- Diving and swimming events for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games;
- 1,000 spectator seats (with an extra 4,000 temporary spectator seats for the Games 2022);
- On-site car parking spaces;
- Three activity studios;
- Minimum 8-court sports hall;
- 108-station gym;
- 25-station ladies-only gym;
- Indoor cycling studio;
- Dry driving centre;
- Sauna/steam room;
- New football pitch and changing facilities;
- New urban park and children's play area; and a
- Café