Withdean Pool Project Needs Extra Budget Approval as Building Costs Rise
Rising construction costs have forced the council to seek additional funding for the new five-lane pool at Withdean, with cabinet approval expected in December.
Budget increase needed
Brightness and Hove Council must seek approval to increase funding for the new Withdean pool after construction costs soared beyond the original budget. The council says global economic conditions and impacts from Middle East conflict have driven up building expenses. The exact cost increase will not be disclosed until a week before December's cabinet meeting, when members will be asked to approve additional spending.
Design changes approved
Alongside the budget concerns, the project's designs have been revised to include single sex changing rooms in addition to the gender neutral changing village in the original plans. The council said the new designs follow August 26 guidance from the Equalities and Human Rights Commission, which recommends single sex provision based on biological sex.
Planning committee members voted unanimously last year to approve the five-lane, 25 metre community pool. Once completed, it will be the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city for approximately 40 years.
Ongoing work
Procurement for the main building contract has taken place, and the council has been working to discharge necessary planning pre-commencement conditions. The project will be funded through a combination of Section 106 developer contributions and capital borrowing.
Cabinet member for sports Alan Robins said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to provide a new swimming pool at Withdean, so it's really important that we ensure it is delivered to meet the needs of the city and local community." He added that additional design changes were made after listening to resident feedback.
Robins noted that swimming is the most popular activity among residents and that young people will benefit from the new facility and improved swimming opportunities.
Community input
The pool's plans were developed following a city-wide consultation and discussions with local swimming clubs, community organisations, a primary school, the council's Healthy Lifestyles Team, Freedom Leisure (which manages Withdean Sports Complex), and Swim England. The project responds to the council's Sports Facilities Investment Plan to meet high demand for swimming facilities across Brighton and Hove.
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