Report reveals proposed facilities for Ripon's new swimming pool

Following a consultation which found that 89 per cent of those surveyed would use the new pool next to the existing leisure centre on Dallamires Lane, a report has been published to reveal the latest recommendations for the facilities.

These include creating a five lane 25 metre swimming pool, a poolside viewing area and a sauna, to replace the 113-year-old Spa Baths. The building would be linked to the leisure centre and share a reception area.

The leisure centre would also be developed by expanding the cardiovascular gym and remodelling the art space to create three separate studios for spin, fitness, pilates, yoga and other activities.

The outdoor football pitch would be re-laid, and a new children's play area and changing rooms would be built.

If the Cabinet approves officers’ recommendations, the design phase should be completed by the end of March 2018.

The Cabinet will then be asked to approve the design, construction costs and appointment of a contractor for the construction of the new facility, which the council aims to be completed by December 2019.

Harrogate Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, ​Coun Stanley Lumley, said: “The creation of a new swimming pool and leisure centre for Ripon is a main priority for the council.

“It is important that the community in and around Ripon has access to excellent leisure facilities and whilst Ripon Spa Baths has served us well, there is a real need for a better, more modern facility in the city.

“Officers have already engaged with the local community, so that they can understand what they would like to see in a new facility. This has helped influence its design.

“Cabinet will now consider the options which are available with the view of progressing the design and technical specifications for the site. This will allow us to gain a full understanding of the costs and resulting benefits of the project.

“It is important that we create a leisure facility which meets the community’s needs and we will be holding a series of public events once a design has been created, so that we can gain their views.”