Dukeries pool plans approved

The new pool is set to open in 2020,and will be located within the existing site in a separate building.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of the Labour group at Newark and Sherwood District Council said: "Local Councillors have fought tooth and nail to get this new swimming pool at the Dukeries Leisure Centre, particularly Councillor David Staples who has worked tirelessly on the project.

"This is a substantial investment that is vital to the sustainability and financial viability of Dukeries Leisure Centre.

"The Labour Group at Newark and Sherwood District Council are pressing for more initiatives that will improve the health inequalities that we suffer across the district."

Currently, facilities are provided to members two miles away from the Dukeries at Wellow House School but this is not considered to be a long-term solution.

With a 32 per cent population growth anticipated by 2026 in Ollerton and Boughton, a leisure facility in the area is needed to meet the expected rise in demand.

The leisure centre, which is run by the district council’s own leisure company, Active4Today, is situated next to an area of land earmarked for a new housing development site, with more than 200 new homes planned on land between Hallam Road and Stepnall Heights.

Councillor Roger Jackson, chairman of the leisure and environment committee, said: “Subject to approval, work on the new pool is scheduled to start in the spring of 2019.

"It is important that leisure facilities are accessible for everyone in the community and the provision of the new modular pool will ensure that the facility can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Swimming is an important skill to be taught from a young age.

"Therefore, appropriate leisure facilities are vital and the district council is committed to responding to market conditions and future population growth across the district to ensure these services are available.”

The district council’s policy and finance committee met on Thursday November 29 to discuss the plans, which were approved.