Marple Swimming Pool currently closed

[CllrGeoffAbell]

An update from a scheduled meeting last week with Life Leisure who run the baths, were I asked for an update: they are currently undergoing tests to see the extent of the problem.  The closure will be at least 2 months, probably longer.  Much of the infrastructure dates from 1931. 

Whilst a brand new baths would be lovely, that will take time and money and if repairs are simple that will allow the swimmers of Marple a facility more quickly.  In the meanwhile, there are facilities for schools and general swimming at Romiley and in Grand Central, Stockport.

[Steve Gribbon]

I'll be interested to hear what you are told Steve. I've heard tonight that several significant issues have been found which are very likely to involve six figure sums and I'd guess a closure in terms of months given one is structural. Even allowing for some inaccuracy, and perhaps if a second opinion is sought some divergence re the scale, I think we may all need to get acquainted with the timetables elsewhere. Of course I hope I'm wrong.

Hello Corium, always good to hear from you.

I hope that information is incorrect also, the thought of the pool being closed for Months is a real worry, especially with so many who use it for their exercise. Six figure sums are almost hard to believe and if elected I would question just how has it got that bad before action is finally being taken. I'm a resident here, this is my local pool too.
As soon as I have anything back I will be in touch, I have contacted them on Twitter before asking why there is no investment in the Marple pool but no reply. This time I am hoping for a prompt and factual answer, but if I hear nothing by Tuesday I will be messaging them again. We deserve better than being kept in the dark if more issues are involved.

Kind regards

Steve Gribbon.

[JohnBates]

If you think it is time Marple had a much more modern facility, please sign our Sign to Swim petition along with the over 350 who already have:

here

https://www.change.org/p/stockport-metropolitan-borough-council-sign-to-swim-smbc-need-to-build-a-new-pool-in-marple?recruiter=103082685&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive

or

https://www.hazelgroveconservatives.org.uk/campaigns/sign-swim-smbc-need-build-new-pool-marple

[andrewbowden]

Well they have already said it will be at least two months...

And I do hope during this closure they manage to stop the roof leaking.  That's been dodgy for ages...

[corium]

That's a fair point but I feel if there really are serious problems the sooner we are told the better. Contacting life leisure and also asking about upgrades can do no harm

Kind regards

Steve Gribbon

I'll be interested to hear what you are told Steve. I've heard tonight that several significant issues have been found which are very likely to involve six figure sums and I'd guess a closure in terms of months given one is structural. Even allowing for some inaccuracy, and perhaps if a second opinion is sought some divergence re the scale, I think we may all need to get acquainted with the timetables elsewhere. Of course I hope I'm wrong.

[ringi]

The few times I go swimming I like the Marple pool as it gets fewer children than other pools, hence my eyes are not messed up as much.

[wheels]

I'm not sure the configuration of the rec would allow for the building of a facility of suffice to size plus car parking. There would also have to be some unusual highways redesigning to allow access into and out of the car park.

The current closure of the pool does however raise question about the lack of decent modern facilities in Marple.

[marpleexile]

I  am absolutely sure there would be no contraversy about building on the Rec.  I am sure the Civic Society would get right behind it 

I'd expect nothing less of that bunch of miserable NIMBY busybodies.

They even got their knickers in a twist over the precise shade of green of ASDA's external signage - as if they were going to rebrand the entire company just because of them!

But Howard's right, the Rec is current just a giant dog toilet, it would be of far more recreational use for the residents of Marple to do something like this with it.

[marveld]

In my opinion the best place would be on the Rec. The town would get far more "recreation" out of if than we currently do.

I think some of the residents on Oldknow Rd, Strines Rd and Arkwright Rd might not be too impressed!

On the one hand I totally agree with Howard's point. However, I also feel that Marple's green space should be left alone. A difficult choice, but if the money was available for a new pool I'd vote for this location (unless someone has a better idea?).

[Steve Gribbon]

Erm.... It is the council who own the local leisure centres, and thus are responsible for the sort of renovations that you're talking about. I'd imagine that Life Leisure completely agree with you, but there's naff all they can do about it.

That's a fair point but I feel if there really are serious problems the sooner we are told the better. Contacting life leisure and also asking about upgrades can do no harm

Kind regards

Steve Gribbon

[PhilB]

This would be nice in Marple...

https://www.stockport.gov.uk/news/new-brinnington-sports-and-leisure-centre-officially-opens

[amazon]

I  am absolutely sure there would be no contraversy about building on the Rec.  I am sure the Civic Society would get right behind it 

One interesting thing to consider is that the council hold the freehold to the delivery office.  With strealing some of the car park, a four or five lane 25m pool would be doable I reckon.  Second floor being a gym, studios and stuff.  You could even make it three stories and have parking underneath.  You can fit a lot into a compact space if you try.

But as ever with these things, it's a matter of money.  Tameside are spending something like £14m on their new complex in Denton.  That's having an eight lane 25m pool, small pool, gym, bowling alley, and soft play.  But still, a new pool and gym for Marple will cost a few bob.

.could put it on Apple tree land .

[andrewbowden]

I  am absolutely sure there would be no contraversy about building on the Rec.  I am sure the Civic Society would get right behind it 

One interesting thing to consider is that the council hold the freehold to the delivery office.  With strealing some of the car park, a four or five lane 25m pool would be doable I reckon.  Second floor being a gym, studios and stuff.  You could even make it three stories and have parking underneath.  You can fit a lot into a compact space if you try.

But as ever with these things, it's a matter of money.  Tameside are spending something like £14m on their new complex in Denton.  That's having an eight lane 25m pool, small pool, gym, bowling alley, and soft play.  But still, a new pool and gym for Marple will cost a few bob.

[marpleexile]

In my opinion the best place would be on the Rec. The town would get far more "recreation" out of if than we currently do.

That would be perfect. There'd be room for a nice 25m "proper" pool, with a small teaching pool along side it, a proper gym (maybe even a spin studio or similar) and a couple of all weather outdoor courts/pitches.

[marpleexile]

I included in the letter the fact that other local pools (Hazel Grove, Cheadle, Romiley as examples) have far better facilities than what we have, and asked if there are plans to improve not only the changing facilities but also the viewing area and the exterior which is tired and dated. I totally agree that we deserve better, and with investment more people will take advantage of the facilities.

Erm.... It is the council who own the local leisure centres, and thus are responsible for the sort of renovations that you're talking about. I'd imagine that Life Leisure completely agree with you, but there's naff all they can do about it.