Afan Lido sell-off denied as chief speaks out to halt rumours
RUMOURS that the site of the old Afan Lido has already been sold off to developers have been denied by Neath Port Talbot Council's top officer.
Chief executive Steve Phillips also spoke out to scotch rumours that the building was not covered by insurance when it was destroyed by fire two and a half years ago.
-
Demolition work at the Afan Lido site
Neath Port Talbot Council's proposals for a £13.6 million replacement have encountered fierce opposition.
Residents have condemned plans for a six-lane swimming pool, arguing that only an eight-lane pool would provide the flexibility needed for schools, clubs and the general public to use at the same time.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
Rather than rebuild the Lido in its original location, Neath Port Talbot wants to shift it to neighbouring Hollywood Park to link it to existing buildings including the never-opened bowling alley.
During an often heated public meeting at the Princess Royal Theatre, Mr Phillips explained the council didn't want to do "half a job" with its regeneration ambitions for the seafront.
"That is why we have looked at the future of the bowling alley and Water Margin and other buildings in coming up with the design," he said. "We don't want to do half a job. It's important to take this opportunity to complete the job.
Residents wanted to know what was happening with the old site, amid rumours it had already been sold off for development.
Mr Phillips said: "No decisions have been made on the future use of that land. We're not ruling anything in or out.
"We are trying to go for the regeneration of the whole seafront. We will probably take that land to the market at some point."
When challenged over where the money from the land sale would go, he repeated: "No decisions have been taken."
Mr Phillips said he also wanted to scotch the rumour that the Lido was not insured.
"We were insured. Those negotiations have been complicated and have secured £5.7 million of insurance money."
Residents also challenged the council's proposals to incorporate a library — arguing the nearby Morrison Road library had only just been refurbished — and enterprise starter units into the new Afan Lido complex.
One Sandfields resident, who did not give his name, said: "We don't want a leisure facility with a library and all these other things. We want a pool where we can produce wonderful swimmers.
"I don't think you realise the passion this is causing, and the real upset."
Head of partnerships and community development Russell Ward said the council wanted as much flexibility as possible within the available budget.
Mr Ward said the days of single-purpose buildings were over, adding: "We need to take a long-term view about what we can provide in the future."
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
by Walesforever
Monday, June 25 2012, 10:23PM
“I wonder what CELTIC LEISURE has to do with all of this ?????????????????????????????”
by andreamartini
Monday, June 25 2012, 9:25AM
“Hi,
I don't know why everyone's complaining, the truth of this matter will never come to light! The most in a higher position whether in local authourity or Parliament are mostly tarred with the same brush.
They tell people what they would like to hear and then bend the rules of truth to their advantage...to shut people up.
What's more, and this said now to the residents of Port Talbot, don't forget and look at what happened to our beloved old Port Talbot town that was sold off in the 70's; town sold, and town ruined! End of story!!!!
The iconic Afan Lido belongs to the seafront and to the people, let's keep it that way”
by Stork
Saturday, June 23 2012, 10:29AM
“Ok, the Lido was insured, but why was it only insured for £5.7 million, if a new Liodo (of sorts) is planned to cost £13.6 million, and be a smaller pool ? Doesn't that mean that the Council have failed to protect a public building by woefully underinsuring it. Who decided the level of insurance cover for the Lido ? What about the insurance cover on other buildings in NPT ? Only this week we have seen a school in Bridgend go up in smoke in almost minutes resulting in a total loss. Have heads rolled for the loss of public money due to the Lido being underinsured ?
Next, I'm sure the public would like to know how much the property developers are contributing towards the new Lido complex ? Why haven't the developers publicised what they are bringing to the table ? They are bringing something, are they not ?”
by Smokestack
Saturday, June 23 2012, 10:25AM
“I don't know why NPT go the whole hog and save themselves a whole load of money and reopen the old Forge Road Baths? That was a 6 lane swimming pool and by the looks of it that's all they are about to offer. In all honesty I don't think that I have ever encountered a local authority more bereft of ability than this one.
Why ostensibly 'open up' a development to public scrutiny when you know full well that the decision has already been made. Quite honestly as a local authority they are morally bankrupt.”