Councillor claims Montem Leisure Centre is 'falling apart'

A councillor has said Montem Leisure Centre is 'falling apart' and that major works to keep the centre open may not be cost effective.

The comments, made by deputy leader and commissioner for neighbourhoods and renewal Cllr James Swindlehurst, were heard at Slough Borough Council's Cabinet meeting on yesterday at Chalvey Community Centre.

The Cabinet agreed to move forward with the leisure strategy which could see the demolition of the Montem Lane based centre run by Slough Community Leisure, replaced by a new leisure complex at The Centre in Farnham Road.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Swindlehurst said: "Somebody asked me why we want to build a new place when the existing building is fine which means they have never been to Montem Leisure Centre because it's falling apart."

Andrew Stevens, assistant director of customer and community services said: “"There are major issues with the building because the roof is corroded and unless work is done it will not be safe.

"The pool is closed from October for three months to carry out these repairs but it will cost the council £8m to keep the centre open for more than seven years."

He added that a new build at The Centre site would be the preferred option and would the cost the council £29m.

Cllr Swindlehurst said: "The fact we have to spend £8m just to keep it open means we get to a place where it's not that much of an expensive investment to make."

Facilities at the new centre could include an eight lane swimming pool with option for 10 lanes, a 20 metre training pool, 150 station gym, two studios or dance suites, and a full sized ice arena.

More work will be done into looking at the options available and the Cabinet will make a final decision at a future meeting.

Slough Community Leisure said the pool at Montem Leisure Centre would be closed for 10 weeks while repairs take place.

Rob Whitehouse, managing director of Slough Community Leisure said: "We have scheduled these essential works at our quietest period and are doing all we can to keep the closure time to a minimum.

"While the repair job is essential, the poolside improvements will mean that guests visiting for the first time in 2014 will enjoy a cleaner, brighter, environment in which to swim.

“We apologise for any disruption caused and are working with our regular pool users such as local swim clubs and schools to find alternatives in the area and help minimise any inconvenience."