Alternative options for the location of a new leisure centre in Lichfield are still being considered despite a preferred site being put forward, council chiefs have said.
A meeting of Lichfield District Council’s cabinet this week agreed to push ahead with the appropriation of Stychbrook Park.
The public open space has been earmarked as the location of the long term replacement for Friary Grange Leisure Centre.
The appropriation move was described by deputy leader Cllr Iain Eadie as a “technical step” which did not mean the scheme was a done deal.
“I’m conscious of many who have shared views that Stychbrook Park isn’t the right location.
“We are continuing to look at the options for delivering the leisure centre.
“While Stychbrook remains the preferred location, we are discussing other options.
“Appropriation of Stychbrook Park means that if it does become the location for the leisure centre, then we are ready and have met with necessary legal requirements for us to begin to build upon it.”
Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council
The new leisure centre plans were dealt a blow when the Government rejected a bid for money from the Levelling Up fund to help meet the costs of the project.
But Cllr Eadie said the council would build a new facility.
“Our leader has committed to increasing the funding support from £5million to £10million, recognising in the current climate that the council will need to provide the funding to deliver this.
“We will deliver on that promise.”
Cllr Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council
