main content Biggin Hill leisure centre proposal goes to Executive

The prospect of a leisure centre for Biggin Hill moved a step closer last week following the Environment and Leisure Portfolio meeting. The £5 million proposal follows consultation with local residents which showed a strong preference for a new swimming pool. The proposal to build the pool on the existing library site with a rebuilt and enhanced library situated above it will now be considered by the Council’s Executive.

“This is a very exciting moment for all of us, Biggin Hill residents especially. It also represents the fulfilment of this Council’s promise to improve leisure facilities locally. Although I must emphasise that the decision to build the pool at Church Road does remain subject to gaining planning permission, so it may yet end up at Charles Darwin School, the really good news is that it’s full steam ahead from here on in and that the long awaited Pool is on its way” said Councillor Colin Smith, Executive Councillor for Environment and Leisure.
The estimated cost of £4.5 to £5 million would allow a 25 metre six lane swimming pool to be constructed with a replacement library included.

The consultation shows an overall preference for a pool at the library site even before the access restrictions that would apply at Charles Darwin school. To ensure as representative a sample as possible, a postal questionnaire was sent randomly to over 10,000 selected households within a five mile radius of Biggin Hill. All households within Biggin Hill and Tatsfield were consulted. Approximately 25% responded overall with 39% of Biggin Hill residents responding.


ENDS

Editor’s notes: The proposal to build a leisure facility in Biggin Hill is subject to planning permission. If the proposal is endorsed by the Executive, detailed designs will be drawn up to enable a planning application to be submitted.

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