Long-awaited Wolverhampton academy plans shelved

Plans to transform a disused swimming baths and library into a multi-million pound sports academy have been shelved.

The Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy was earmarked for the old Heath Town leisure complex in Tudor Road.

The project was announced four years ago by the Olympic legend herself, with the focus on employment, education and bringing the community together through sport.

But the council has now announced the scheme is on the backburner, with funding issues believed to have stalled the project.

The former Heath Town Leisure Centre on Tudor Road

Regeneration boss, Councillor Peter Bilson said: "Regrettably, the plans announced four years ago by the Tessa Sanderson Foundation to refurbish the Heath Town baths and library complex as a sports academy are unlikely to become a reality, in spite of the fact that the council gave the foundation significant support. However we have to move on, and now we're exploring all options for refurbishment and re-use on a 'nothing ruled out' basis."

The 'nothing ruled out' basis means if funding is secured by the foundation the academy could still go ahead.

Councillor Bilson added: "As for the future, the council is reviewing potential new uses both for this grade II listed building and the land immediately around it."

The baths were shut down in 2003 after the council's health and safety team deemed the building unsafe. It has stood empty ever since.

The academy project included a large all-purpose sports hall on the site of the old swimming pool and converting the adjacent boiler house into changing rooms. Other land on the site has been earmarked for use as a car park.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator David Hawtin said he was disappointed the scheme had fallen through and the building was falling into disrepair, with the council having a responsibility to maintain the site.

Councillor Bilson said the authority had done a significant amount of work to keep the building secure, including sealing all window and door openings with metal screens or blockwork.

He said: "Despite these precautions, it's difficult if not impossible to keep out the really determined.

"Nevertheless, we'll be reviewing current arrangements to see if there is anything more we can do. We'll also be applying for funds to clear the rubbish and any remaining asbestos from the building."

The council hopes to complete its review of the site's future by the end of the year.

The Tessa Sanderson Foundation was unavailable for comment.

But speaking about the plan in the past, Wolverhampton Olympian Sanderson said: "It's going to be the first of many and hopefully the community will come out and support it. It's really helping towards the start of the Olympic legacy. Wolverhampton's not going to get left behind and we want to move forward in the future and put them on the map. We'll go on to a bigger scale but we want to get these places up and running."