Pyramids work would be 'money down the drain' for Exeter

COUNCIL leaders have restated the need for a new swimming pool to be built in the city.

Pete Edwards, leader of the city council, said the current facility at the Pyramids in Heavitree Road needs major work in the near future – and the authority will close it rather than spend money on the 70-year-old pool.

A new building is planned as part of the redevelopment of the bus and coach station in Paris Street. It will be funded by the New Homes Bonus, a Government reward to local authorities for building houses.

Cllr Edwards said: “If we spend major amounts of money on the Pyramids we will never get that money back – it would be like throwing it down the drain.

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“Exeter desperately needs a new pool, and that is what we are working towards with the redevelopment of the bus and coach station.”

The new pool will be 25 metres in length and could have a moveable floor so its depth can be changed easily.

Cllr Edwards said: “I have been to see the swimming pool in Bristol and I think we will go for something like that.

“It has holes in the floor. If you raise the metal floor the water goes through the holes and sits there underneath it.

“That way, for example, you have a pool which is very easy for disabled people to use – they can go right into the pool and then the floor would be lowered.

“With the redevelopment of the bus and coach station we want to provide a leisure centre, shopping and café culture.

“If you supply those things and make it nice then people will come with their families for days out.”

Parkwood Leisure runs the city council-owned leisure facilities in Exeter on its behalf.

Richard Ball, the city’s assistant director for economy, said: “Parkwood Leisure is currently undertaking a planned painting programme at all of their facilities.

“Cosmetic repairs are being undertaken on a rolling programme.

“It is too early to confirm what the new facility will provide.

“A desktop needs assessment has been undertaken but site surveys and customer consultation have yet to be undertaken to define the facility and what facilities it will offer.

“It is envisaged the facility will be up to national short course standard but things may change following further consultation and site assessment.”