New swimming pool and wellbeing hub plan starting to take shape

Two possible sites for a new swimming pool and wellbeing hub in Clackmannanshire are set to be taken forward for further investigation.

Clackmannanshire Council is expected to agree the pair of locations to be included in an options appraisal for the proposed £16.9m facility when they meet next week, while plans for a temporary swimming pool at Marshill Car Park in Alloa are also progressing as planned.

The former Alloa Leisure Bowl, which is due to be demolished, has been earmarked as a potential venue, but a second site at Alloa West – across the road from the Alloa West Business Park – is similarly likely to be taken forward.

If approved by councillors on December 16, the two sites will form part of a feasibility study that will consider the viability, feasibility and needs of the new wellbeing hub – which will then in turn lead to a business case being drawn up.

Plans: The pool and wellbeing hub could be built at Alloa West. LDRS

Lorraine Sanda, strategic director (people) at Clackmannanshire Council, explained: “The study will consider a long list of options, including taking learning from elsewhere.

“It is expected that a report from this work will provide a short list of options (maximum three) and concept design. This should be available by May 2022.

“This will inform a business case which will be brought to council for consideration.”

Meanwhile, the procurement journey for the proposed interim swimming pool has continued and a full business case in that respect – outlining detailed options and costs – will come forward to council soon.

That will include costs to allow P5 swimming lessons as part of the interim arrangement.

Under the plans for the temporary pool agreed in October, a 25m temporary pool, with six lanes, could be sited in Marshill Car Park in Alloa and could be in place as early as the summer of 2022.

This would allow for Learn to Swim programmes to take place, and officers are also considering how swimming lessons for all P5 school children could be resumed.

Interim swimming continues to be offered at Dollar Academy and for children with additional support needs at Alloa Academy’s hydrapool.

By local democracy reporter Craig Smith