Pool replacement plans paused after opposition

Plans to replace a pool at a leisure centre have been paused following opposition from residents.

The £1.65m proposals for The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex in Southampton would have seen the Lagoon Pool replaced with an "active play zone".

Southampton City Council's cabinet member for leisure, Toqeer Kataria, told a cabinet meeting the plans had been withdrawn from the agenda after feedback from users and a recommendation from the council's overview and scrutiny management committee.

He said the authority would now engage with users, families and relevant organisations before bringing any proposals back.

"We have listened to the views expressed and hear a strong feeling around the future of the lagoon pool," Kataria said.

He said swimming, water safety and water confidence provision for babies, toddlers, children and families would remain "a priority" throughout any future engagement.

Kataria said the facility still needed investment to remain financially sustainable, adding: "We will need to revisit this."

Councillor Peter Baillie questioned whether the proposals were genuinely being reconsidered.

He asked whether residents would be offered alternative options during the engagement process, rather than simply being asked whether they supported the existing plan.

Kataria said the engagement would begin with the current proposals, but that other options could be developed.

"The most important thing is that we're meeting the user's needs," he said.

The original proposals also included modernised changing facilities, dedicated party rooms, and improvements to the cafe, kitchen and reception areas, with the council saying swimming would continue at the site through its two remaining pools.