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13
Dec 2021
Knaresborough Civic Society objects to plans for leisure centre
Knaresborough Civic Society has objected to the borough council's proposals for a new leisure centre saying it isn't future proof or in-keeping with the town's heritage.
The chair of Knaresborough Civic Society, Bill Rigby, has said the current plans don't acknowledge the climate crisis and criticises the council for choosing to tear down a building rather than adapting it.
He said the civic society is unanimous in its opinion that the current building could be re-developed to suit the town's growing population.
Mr Rigby added that the civic society supports the investment and provision of a new leisure centre but said it was important for the group to ensure it is future proof for the next generation:
The Civic Society's concerns
In its official objection response to Harrogate Borough Council in regards to the plans the society said:
- Is there is a recognised need for any expansion of the existing swimming pool. What evidence by way or research or public consultation or survey exists to establish that there is such a need?
- Does the pool need to be expanded from four to six lanes or can the opening hours be increased?
- We are not satisfied that the council has investigated properly the much cheaper and less disruptive alternative of renewing the services within the existing structure which is only 30 years old and has recently been refurbished.
- Concerns over the loss of the safely ensconced playground and the felling of 21 mature trees
- Looks like an industrial warehouse
- We believe that this proposal will also not meet the environmental and climate saving credentials of the Council.
Read more:
- Council accused of ‘trophy investment’ for £9m purchase of Harrogate’s Royal Baths
- Eco-development could be catalyst for green housing in Harrogate district
Alternative plan
The civic society said it had seen a new set of plans produced by local architects on behalf of the community which aim to be sustainable and use the current building as its base.
The alternative plans
One of the people involved in the group putting forward the plans is David Hull who set up the NotOff group to protect Fsyche Field from development.
He said the plans are on behalf of a group of locals to offer an alternative proposal that is "cheaper, greener and far less environmental destructive".
The society's plans are being offered to Harrogate Borough Council as an alternative option.
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