NEWS RELEASES
Latest on Billingshurst pool project
12th June 2007
AT A MEETING on Thursday (14 June), Horsham District Councillors will discuss the latest cost and timing estimates for a proposed new public swimming pool in Billingshurst.
Horsham District Council has been working in partnership for some time planning for a new community swimming pool in Billingshurst, which would offer a 25 metre pool attached to modern fitness facilities.
The Council meeting on 14 June will hear the latest report about the project and vote on a number of recommendations.
The report to the Council says that further to the Council’s decision in June 2006 to approve the project, work has been progressing on design and procurement, together with putting in place detailed agreements with the project partners – Billingshurst Parish Council, the Weald School, West Sussex County Council and D.C. Leisure Management Ltd.
The detailed design has now been agreed between the partners and planning approval, subject to conditions, has been obtained.
The preferred contractor has been working with the project design team to identify a contract sum for the construction and the anticipated cost is £4,839,000.
The report says that this is a higher cost than originally estimated because of previously unforeseen circumstances involving adverse ground conditions, exceptional foul and surface water drainage requirements and school access arrangements, which have been identified as the design has progressed, together with higher than anticipated construction cost increase. The total project cost is now estimated at £5,689,100.
The document adds that Horsham District Council has made a successful bid for support funding from the Sport England Community Investment Fund (National Lottery). The award of £683,833 will enable the project cost to be met from approved capital budget plus the lottery grant.
Subject to Council approval of the contract sum and appointment of the preferred contractor, it is currently thought that construction work will commence in July 2007 with the pool opening for use in July/August 2008.
The report also gives details of the estimated annual running costs of the facility.
Speaking about the pool project, Cllr Brian Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health at Horsham District Council, said:
“Work has been progressing well in taking this complex project forward and I would like to thank everyone involved, including our partners, in getting us to this stage.
“There have been some difficulties surrounding the proposed construction site, as the report outlines, and this has delayed us a bit.
“There are also higher costs than originally estimated but there are some unforeseen and understandable reasons for this.
“You will also note that additional external funding has been gained from the National Lottery for the project.”
The Horsham District Council meeting is open to the public and takes place at 6pm on Thursday 14 June in the Council Chamber, Park North, North Street in Horsham.
Further information about the report is available from Jim Gee at Horsham District Council on 01403 215260, email: jim.gee@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk