Marple Pool, Leisure and Community Hub Consultation

Wednesday, 2 December, 2020

HAVE YOUR SAY...
On initial plans for a new Leisure and Community Hub in Marple

Stockport Council is consulting with residents until 4 January 2021

Residents are being invited to have their say on initial plans for a new Leisure and Community Hub in Marple, which have been developed as a result of a public engagement exercise which took place In March 2020, as well as work with local organisations over the past six months.

Stockport Council is working with GT3 Architects to develop plans for a Marple Leisure and Community hub that could replace the existing Marple Pool and Marple Library in a new purpose-built facility.

Marple Pool has been closed since 2018 for health and safety reasons and would not be able to reopen without significant investment. Consequently, there are no plans to reopen the pool.

The gym facility at the site has been closed temporarily due to the Coronavirus pandemic and there are no plans to reopen this as the size of the gym will not allow for it to be operated cost effectively whilst social distancing restrictions are in place. Major roof works are also required to prevent water ingress into the gym and it is not economically viable to make this investment when a replacement facility is being planned. Options are currently being investigated for alternative fitness provision in the area while we continue with the possible development of a Marple Leisure and Community Hub.

Cllr Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport, said:

"We know that the provision of leisure facilities is something that local residents feel strongly about, so this is a chance to have your say in our consultation and help shape future plans for Marple. As part of this, we are also keen to hear from young people and a dedicated survey has been set up to represent their views. Please do take the time to have a look at the plans."

View the plans online, on boards outside Marple Library or the existing Marple Pool

Residents can view the plans at: www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay and give feedback online until Monday 4 January 2021. For residents without digital access, information boards have been placed outside Marple Library and Marple Pool which outline the plans and explain how you can feed back.

Residents are specifically being asked for their thoughts about:

• The proposed spaces included in the different options for the hub: is there anything else you’d like to see or something you think shouldn’t be there.

• The proposed site location.

• The three different options presented and their preferred option.

At the same time, a dedicated youth survey targeted at young people in the area is being run.

Feedback from both engagement exercises will be used to inform the development of the designs. Subject to funding of the scheme being approved, the plans would then be developed in more detail, followed by a further invitation to give your views prior to a full planning application.