Future of two Sandwell swimming pools uncertain amid plans to demolish one and sell another
Two swimming centres face a new future in Sandwell, with one being demolished for housing and the other up for sale on the market while a community group seeks to take it over.
Langley Swimming Centre at Vicarage Road in Oldbury, and Smethwick Swimming Centre at Thimblemill Road in Smethwick, both had reports submitted to Sandwell council’s cabinet over how to repurpose them.
Both swimming centres are set to close this summer to make way for the Sandwell Aquatics Centre – set to be open to the public after hosting part of the Commonwealth Games – as the council acknowledges it “cannot afford to retain” the buildings.
Langley Swimming Centre
In the case of Langley swimming centre, councillors approved plans to demolish the vacant building to make way for plans to build 27 affordable homes – subject to planning consent.
Sandwell Council aims to put the site forward as part of the Brownfield Land Release Fund bid.
If successful, the government funding will partly contribute to an estimated £924,500 for demolition of Langley swimming centre to prepare for re-development.
It is envisaged that pre-demolition works will begin at the end of the year. However, if unsuccessful, the site remains at risk of becoming vacant and increased risk of anti-social behaviour.
