URGENT UPDATE: The Southern Planning Committee of Shropshire Council is poised to approve significant upgrades to the SpArC Leisure Centre in Bishop’s Castle at its meeting on November 25, 2023. This proposal, valued at approximately £4 million, is set to enhance the facility’s sustainability and functionality, making it a vital community resource.
The planned improvements include the replacement of the roof weathering and the installation of solar panels on the swimming pool roof. Additionally, the project aims to implement a new insulated render system for the pool’s external walls. As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, the application also features the installation of two new external air source heat pumps and a new electrical sub-station on existing hard standing areas.
In September, Shropshire Council’s cabinet approved the principle of this substantial investment, emphasizing its importance for essential repairs and upgrades to the leisure centre. This initiative is part of a broader decarbonisation effort and pool refurbishment funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
A report prepared for the planning committee recommends that councillors greenlight these proposals. It asserts, “The proposed works are appropriate to the existing buildings and will maintain and enable the continuing and improved sustainable functioning of a leisure facility without detrimental impact on local visual amenity, residential amenity, drainage, or biodiversity.”
Residents and stakeholders are eagerly anticipating the committee’s decision, as these upgrades promise to enhance community health and wellness by providing a modern, eco-friendly leisure environment. The urgency of this approval cannot be overstated, as the enhancements are crucial for promoting sustainability and improving recreational opportunities for all.
Stay tuned for updates as this important meeting unfolds. Share this news to keep your friends and community informed about the future of leisure in Bishop’s Castle!
