Flats earmarked to provide pool cash

8:20am Sunday 6th March 2005

RESIDENTIAL flats could help fund a new multi-million pound swimming pool as part of a major development.

A mix of one, two and three-bedroom flats for private sale and rent will be built above the new Northolt Swimarama according to proposals which were outlined during a special meeting of the Northolt Area Committee last week.

Richard Grady, of Active Ealing, the leisure arm of Ealing Council, believes this new proposal is the way forward.

He said: "We need the capital to build the new pool and a housing development such as this one can be viable. We are at a very early stage with this proposal, but it is one that can work."

Ealing Council is proposing to build a new six or eight-lane pool on the existing Swimarama site, in the grounds of Northolt High School, which will be a modern, up-to-date version, but will retain the same pool areas as the current one.

As well as the new pool, the proposal outlines plans for flats to be built above the pool going up four storeys but with the potential to go up seven storeys, depending on public consultation and planning permissions.

Mr Grady added: "The level of housing will be kept at an appropriate level. We need to make sure residents are happy."

The proposal also includes the possibility of a retail outlet such as a small supermarket or convenience store and a cafe. It would also have a soft-play or a crche area for children and a flexible display space for local artists and history groups.

The presentation given by Active Ealing and S and P Architects at the meeting was received with mixed reactions, but the overall feeling was quite positive.

Northolt Phoenix and the Ealing swimming clubs were concerned about provisions for their members if the proposal is given the go-ahead and wanted reassurance that they would be suitably accommodated while the new pool is built.

John Wright, of Ealing Swimming Club, said: "This new proposal has our total support but the main problem for us is the possible 18 month to two-year gap while the new pool is being built.

"Northolt Phoenix have been through this before and effectively died but we have learnt from that and we will do all we can to keep our clubs alive."

Cllr John Cudmore, leader of the council, arrived towards the end of the meeting but vowed to do all he could to help residents, existing staff and swimming clubs in agreeing with the new pool.

He said: "I am pleased that there has been a lot of support for this proposal but that's not surprising. This offers a tremendous opportunity and it is a challenge.

"I can guarantee that the money that we get from the housing will go towards the pool and nothing else."

The leader also confirmed he will do all he can to assist swimming clubs during the re-build as well as the current Swimarama staff and staff are currently liaising with neighbouring boroughs and schools about extra provisions.