Green light for new £25m leisure centre
Controversial plans for a multi-million pound leisure centre in Carlisle have been approved.
Councillors gave the £25m proposal, which will see a new eight-lane swimming pool and a gym, the green light despite opposition.
They argue the site is unsuitable for redevelopment because it has a history of flooding. It was left underwater in 2015 in the wake of Storm Desmond.
Concerns were also been raised about the loss of the city's current James Street swimming pool, and the future of the adjacent historic Turkish baths that date back to 1874.
The redevelopment will see:
Main pool hall & learner pool with a moveable floor and a spectator seating gallery.
Four court sports hall with a spectator gallery.
120 station fitness suite.
Two dance studios.
Spinning studio.
Changing facilities.
Changing Places facility.
Dementia friendly design.
NHS Physiotherapy suite.
Reception desk with offices.
Environmental measures to support more efficient use of energy and photovoltaic panels and combined heat and power energy generation.
Work is expected to start later this year and scheduled to be finished by summer 2021.