New leisure park plans are revealed (From This Is Local London)

New leisure park plans are revealed

11:14am Tuesday 28th June 2005 in

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OLYMPIC swimmers and athletes could have new training facilities in Uxbridge by 2007 at a multimillion pound, state-of-the-art leisure complex that is already starting to take shape.

With the option for a 25 or 50-metre length indoor pool, Uxbridge Lido will also include a sports hall and fitness centre linked to the 1930s Uxbridge open-air pool, a Grade II listed building, which is to be completely renovated.

Situated off Park Road, the complex is a short distance from Uxbridge town centre and main road and rail links.

The scheme, which was given planning permission earlier this month, has been drawn up by Hillingdon Council as part of a sweeping modernisation programme of the borough's leisure facilities.

Construction nearby of an 400-metre eight-lane running track and a new spectator stand, to replace existing facilities, is already under construction and is due for completion in 2006.

The scheme will be financed largely from the council's capital fund and a housing development south of the new complex.

The option of the larger indoor pool is dependent on a successful funding bid submitted to Sport England.

Heritage lottery funds have also been sought towards the renovation of the open-air pool, once the largest in southern England and one of the few such pools still remaining in the UK.

Cllr Mike Heywood, Hillingdon's cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "This exciting scheme has the potential to offer Olympic sports men and women a new training venue and will provide modern facilities for both local clubs and the public.

"The public is behind the council's plans to bring new sports and leisure facilities into the heart of Uxbridge, as well as plans for the renovation of the open-air swimming pool at a time when similar pools are fast disappearing."

"The indoor pool and integrated leisure complex should ensure a long-term future for the listed pool while providing high quality sports and recreation benefits for people of all ages."