Public meeting held over plans for Olympic-size swimming pool
A large public meeting will be held to discuss plans for Birmingham’s new £58 million Olympic-size swimming pool, council bosses have pledged.
Birmingham’s planning committee made its promise of a full public consultation during early discussions of the proposal for an aquatics and leisure centre on land next to the NIA.
Although agreeing that Birmingham needs a 50 metre Olympic standard pool, the committee raised concerns about the suitability of the location, car park capacity and impact on the wildlife.
Labour members said the location was clearly unsuitable and complained that residents had not yet been consulted.
Coun Keith Linnecor (Lab, Oscott) said: “I am not convinced this is the right place. It is too close to a number of other major buildings such as the NIA and the ICC and this will place unbearable pressure on the transport network.”
Opposition deputy leader Coun Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End) added: “The centre is supposed to use the NIA car park. Yet the area is already congested when there is a big band performing at the NIA. People block the residential roads around the area, rather than pay to park.
“What will happen if there is an event at both venues at the same time?”
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