Worthing pool's garden option

The other is on land just west of the Aquarena which, in either case, will stay open until the new municipal swimming pool is completed.

The council cabinet's decision means the end of plans to incorporate the pool in the Teville Gate development, with the facility being leased by the council.

After more than two years of negotiations with developers Hanson Capital Management, the council says the leasing arrangement would be too expensive for the council to afford.

Council leader Keith Mercer said: "It was a very difficult decision to make in dismissing the other options, but I am very pleased with the result.

"The bulk of people in Worthing want a seafront location for the pool.

"Teville Gate could have reasonably sustained a pool, but the seafront is a much better location for pool-based activity, with more pluses."

The council's overview and scrutiny committee, which met immediately before the cabinet meeting, recommended the option of a new pool next to the Aquarena should include underground parking at a total cost of 32.3million.

But the cabinet rejected below-ground parking provision, thus bringing the cost down to 28.3million.

It was told the estimated cost for a new pool on Denton Gardens would be 26million.

Mr Mercer said the cabinet rejected underground parking because there was adequate space for surface car parking.

He said both options will now be considered in detail before a final choice is made.

n either case, there would still be enough money available to pay for the refurbishment of West Park Leisure Centre.

Bob Smytherman, the council's Lib Dem leader, said his party had long argued that the seafront should be the only replacement option considered by the council.

Cost of the new pool and Leisure Centre refurbishment is being met by selling four land parcels.

Two of them, Hill Barn golf course and a commercial site off Littlehampton Road, have already been sold.

Sales have still to be completed on the seafront Grafton House site and the Sea Place/Eirene Road redevelopment site at Goring.

What do you think?

Do you enjoy Denton Gardens?

How do you feel about the prospect of a pool replacing the flower beds?

Would you rather see a new pool build on the seafront?

Let us know, comment in the space below or:

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Write to: Worthing Herald, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.