Sauna chance '˜slim' as Arun approves £15m centre plans

Arun District Council’s development control committee unanimously approved plans, which will replace the current facility in Sea Road.

Paul Dendle, cabinet member for leisure and amenities, said: “I am very pleased with the outcome. The officers have done a fantastic job in quite a tight deadline.

“The one thing I always wanted was to have a seamless transition between the old site and the new site opening.

“The lessons of Littlehampton hospital were very much evident and I wanted to avoid the situation where we demolished one building without replacing it.”

The new centre will include an expanded eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, learner pool, gym, dance and cycling studios, a sports hall and café.

But the inclusion of a sauna, called for by scores of residents who use the current equipment, hangs in the balance.

The sauna was included as a provisional item in the tender for the centre’s construction – but is dependent on resources and the final cost of the build.

Mr Dendle said a final decision would be made within six months, once the procurement process was finalised.

He remained unconvinced that a sauna should be provided, suggesting Arun could negotiate special rates with providers of facilities elsewhere in the district.

He added: “That’s not to say we wouldn’t be able to provide it - but the chances are slim.”

Construction is expected to begin in summer, with Willmott Dixon selected as contractor. It should be open by 2019.

Planning permission, granted last Wednesday, followed a long campaign by residents to keep the pool in Sea Road.