The leisure centre in Filton is set to be partially demolished and re-built under plans to upgrade its facilities. The building in Elm Park will have everything but its pool hall torn down and replaced, and could be unusable at times while the renovations take place, according to South Gloucestershire Council.
It comes after a planning application submitted by Watson Batty Architects on behalf of building owners Active Nation was approved by the council. And a statement submitted with the application outlines what the centre will look like in future.
"Investment is needed to modernise and consolidate the facilities that have been added to the site over time, in order to allow the leisure centre to continue its current operations and provide health, wellbeing and leisure facilities for the residents of Filton," the statement says.
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"The high-level scope of this project is to maintain the existing pool hall and demolish all other portions of the leisure centre." The statement adds that this will "better suit the running of the leisure centre going forward".
The developers aim to demolish the now-closed Ratepayers Arms which is attached to the leisure centre, as well as changing facilities around the pool in a phased manner. They say this will allow for the continued use of the pools while the construction takes place.
A report from council officers stated: "The Ratepayers Arms was struggling in the hospitality market, requiring a subsidy service. Following the lockdown in early 2020, the public house has not reopened.
"There are multiple public houses within walking distance, and no objections have been received in relation to the demolition." The plans describe the Ratepayers as a "lounge with a bar that serve[d] food and drink".
According to a report from a council planning officer, people will be unable to use the leisure centre at times while the renovations happen. The report says: "It is likely that there would be a period of time where the centre is not usable due to construction."
According to the plans, once the construction is complete there will be several new facilities at the leisure centre. This will include a café and reception space with links to the main facilities, as well as an outdoor café.
A children's soft play area will also be built, as well as a health suite, including a sauna and a steam room. There will also be a 50 station open plan fitness suite which looks out onto Elm Park, as well as a large multi-purpose function room, and new changing rooms.
To see the plans in full, view the application here.
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