By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to build a new swimming pool for Southwell have been hit by legal delays.
Newark & Sherwood District Council approved a £5.5m replacement for the current pool in December, saying it was too old to keep fixing.
The new facility is proposed for neighbouring land on Nottingham Road, which is also owned by Southwell Leisure Centre Trust charity.
However, the group hasn’t transferred the land to the council in the two months since then, saying the permission of the Charity Commission is required for disposal of charity assets.
The authority has expressed disappointment over the delays, which will impact on the opening date.
The pool closed in late 2023 for investigations, and it was found that nearly a quarter of the water leaked out over a 13 day period.
Councillors were previously told that the 60-year-old facility had deteriorated to a point where repairs had a very low chance of success.
Council leader Councillor Paul Peacock (Lab) told a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday (February 20) that he wanted to get started with the replacement as soon as possible.
“We’re got everything on the starting blocks, we’ve got a team in place,” he said.
“To do that, we need co-operation from trustees so we can set that work in motion.
“I don’t want to start spending money until they can commit to working in conjunction with us to get this swimming pool up and running.
“The starting point isn’t in our control – it’s in the control of Southwell Leisure Centre Trust.”
The new facilities – including a learner and main pool – will take around two years to construct.
Cabinet member Councillor Keith Melton (Lib Dem) is also one of the leisure centre’s trustees.
He told the meeting: “The council is requesting the trust make a joint submission to the Charity Commission so that it is joint venture and everyone benefits as quickly as possible.
“The responsibility has been passed over the trust to make a decision, and I hope that when we meet soon, that is what we do.
“I may be over-optimistic, but I see everything in place to take this forward.”
The trust is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 February 2024.
Deputy leader Councillor Rowan Cozens (Ind) said: “We committed this £5.5m before Christmas. We are still in that position, and would very much like to move forwards.”
Councillor Rhona Holloway (Con) said: “It’s important we’re all committed to this and we’re united in getting this done.”
The dryside facilities and learner pool will remain open while work is taking place.
