Whitchurch's cutting-edge new leisure center has taken a significant stride toward becoming a reality, are planning permission was approved.

Whitchurch's leisure centre failed to reopen after the Covid lockdown, and surveys by Shropshire Council showed it would to be able to do so because of structural problems and a leak in the pool tank.

New plans for a modern swimming and fitness centre, with a budget of £13.1 million, were made public on Shropshire Council's planning portal on Friday, July 14.

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The project has now received the backing of Shropshire Council's planning department using delegated powers, paving the way for construction to begin early in 2024, marking an exciting step forward.

Peggy Mullock, Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch North, added: “I am delighted that planning permission has been granted.

“It now means we are able to move forward with the development and soon offer more great opportunities for people living in Whitchurch and the surrounding areas to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

The new centre will include a six-lane 25m pool, a 41-station fitness suite, multi-function rooms and a café with 20 covers.

The ground floor will accommodate the café, changing village and pool, which will be overlooking the brook.

Upstairs there will be a 41-station gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a flexible studio space that can be divided into two rooms.

It is anticipated the centre will open in mid-2025.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for culture and digital, said: “I am pleased that the planning application has been approved.

“Not only will it be a fantastic facility for the local community but we want it to be attracting visitors from outside the local area to help support the town’s economy and local businesses.

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“The centre will be built to the most efficient energy standards in support of Shropshire Council’s aim of achieving net zero by 2030.

“It is a very exciting project to be part of.”

Shropshire Council approved the £13.1m project after hearing that a new centre would be the most viable and cost-effective way to replace the current centre, which has not been able to open since the pandemic began.

The design and proposals for the new pool won the support of the local community during a public consultation exercise earlier this year.