Rising Building Costs Force Withdean Pool Budget Review

Budget increase needed

Brightton and Hove Council will need cabinet approval to increase funding for the new Withdean pool after building costs rose sharply. The council says the global economic crisis and its impact on the construction industry have pushed up the proposed construction costs. The exact increase will not be disclosed until a week before December's cabinet meeting, where members will be asked to approve the additional spending.

Design changes approved

The pool's designs have been modified to include single-sex changing rooms in addition to the gender-neutral changing village in the original plans. The council said the new designs are based on August 26 Equalities and Human Rights Commission guidance, which states single-sex provision should be based on biological sex.

Planning committee members voted unanimously last year to approve plans for the five-lane, 25-metre community pool. It will be the first new publicly funded swimming pool built in the city for around 40 years.

Long-awaited facility

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: "Residents had a huge input in helping us shape the initial plans for the pool and, after listening to feedback, we have made some additional changes to the design. Swimming remains the most popular activity for our residents and, as a coastal city, so it's great that our children and young people will benefit from a brand new pool and further opportunities to learn to swim."

Development and funding

The project was developed in response to the council's Sports Facilities Investment Plan to address demand for more swimming facilities across the city. Plans were shaped through consultation 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 facility will be funded through a combination of Section 106 developer contributions and capital borrowing. Procurement for the main building contract has taken place, along with work to discharge planning pre-commencement conditions.

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