A NEW planning application which would convert Monmouth’s leisure centre into a multi-purpose facility featuring a 25 metre swimming pool, children’s adventure play facilities, squash courts and gymnasium has been submitted.

As reported in the Beacon in January, members of Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) Cabinet approved a payment of £204,050 to develop plans for a new ‘leisure offer’ which would include the promised new swimming pool for the town.

A planning application has now been submitted by Bradshaw, Gass and Hope LLS on behalf of MCC for a two-storey extension for the leisure centre which would house the new facilities.

The proposed extension would provide additional recreational space for facilities and general internal alterations, and would match the height and profile of the existing building. It is also proposed to relocate the leisure centre’s entrance to face onto the current car park.

Estimates earlier this year predicted the enhanced leisure offer would total around £6.68 million: around £1.5 million more than was predicted in 2015. It is expected that the additional cost will be part met through Section 106 funds from the Wonastow Road development and through additional borrowing.

With Monmouth’s previous swimming pool closed down and demolished last year to provide space for the new Monmouth Comprehensive School, there is the need to provide a swimming pool in the town.

The original proposal was for ‘like for like’ replacement of the pool, but following a feasibility study by external industry specialists, the new proposal for a future-proof option has been developed.

Externally the leisure centre, which was opened in 2000, would remain relatively unchanged.