Five Lichfield councillors have backed plans for the city’s new leisure centre to be built at Stychbrook Park.
Lichfield District Council has earmarked the site as the preferred location for the long term replacement for Friary Grange Leisure Centre.
Five councillors in the local area have said they understand why some residents have criticised the plan – but insist it is the best option for the city.
A statement on the issue was signed by:
- Cllr Dave Robertson (Labour), Curborough ward
- Cllr Colin Ball (Labour), Curborough ward
- Cllr Joanne Grange (Independent), Chadsmead ward
- Cllr Paul Ray, (Lib Dem), Chadsmead ward
- Cllr Jeyan Anketell (Labour), Stowe ward
“We are delighted that the site chosen will remain in north Lichfield, as near as possible to the existing facility.
“The campaign to save Friary Grange highlighted the need for this important asset to be available for everyone in the city, but especially for the communities which use and need the leisure centre the most.
“The chosen site offers a real opportunity to build a modern 21st Century sports centre in the heart of the community of north Lichfield, and to deliver much needed public infrastructure.
“As with any proposed scheme, there will be those who think this is not the right thing to do, it is not in the right place or there are other sites which would be preferable.
“There will be those who believe that losing any green space is too high a price and that the park should be left as it is, and there will be those who think it will create traffic problems.
“As your councillors we considered all these factors too, but given the alternatives, we believe Stychbrook Park is the very best choice for the location of the new leisure centre.”
Statement from councillors on plans for new leisure centre in Lichfield
The proposals will go before an overview and scrutiny committee meeting at Lichfield District Council next week.
The councillors said locals would be able to have their say in the future on the potential location of the new leisure centre.
“We do recognise that the views of local residents are paramount.
“If the site is given the green-light we will be working to ensure that the brand-new leisure centre is an enhancement to Stychbrook Park, continues to provide public open space for other activities, retains the tree line along Eastern Avenue, makes good provision for extra traffic and works well in its location for the benefit of all the community.”
Statement from councillors on plans for new leisure centre in Lichfield
