The Condition Report The building both externally and internally is in a good state of repair and has been well maintained throughout the life of the building. | The Asbestos report The report identified minimal asbestos and there is no recommendation for any immediate works for the removal or encapsulation. | The Lease Agreement NSDC agreed to keep all machinery and equipment properly maintained to renew and replace when necessary. |
FOSS continue to support and engage with Newark & Sherwood District Council (NSDC) in their plans to build a new swimming pool in Southwell.
However, it is clear to all concerned that due to the complex legal issues regarding transfer of land from community ownership to the council, which they are requesting before proceeding, it may take three to four years for these plans to come to fruition. If funded by borrowing costs of the £5.5 million pool offered could balloon to approximately £20 million.
In the meantime, FOSS continue to ask NSDC to investigate the possibility of repairing the existing pool. The council have repeatedly refused to consider this stating that a repair is not technically feasible, and even if carried out, it is likely that the ageing building will require further repairs in the short term, making this option financially unsustainable.
Documents now provided by NSDC support our arguments that a repair is an option well worth considering.
FOSS have been provided with a copy of the Lease Agreement in place with Southwell Leisure Centre Trust and reports completed for NSDC on Southwell Leisure Centre, including the pool.
The Lease Agreement clearly indicates that NSDC have a legal duty to repair and maintain the pool.
The pool building itself is a “new build” i.e. only approximately 20-25 years old.
The Building Survey completed for NSDC has shown that the whole building is in good repair and in no need of immediate works.
The Asbestos Report completed for NSDC states there are no concerns regarding the presence of asbestos.
In addition a quote provided by a reputable experienced contractor shows that a repair could be carried out at a cost of less than £500k and completed within a few months.
It has been shown that the revenue generated by resuming use of the pool will pay for the repairs within 12 - 18 months.
FOSS will continue to press NSDC to repair Southwell Swimming Pool in order to allow this much needed facility to be restored to public use in the near future.