Ormskirk Wellbeing and Leisure Hub

Introduction

Welcome to the public engagement page for the development of a new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub at Land East of County Road, Ormskirk, L39 3LT.

West Lancashire Borough Council are developing exciting plans for a new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub for Ormskirk to replace the outdated Ormskirk Park Pool, which would close after the new hub is opened. The current Park Pool will be demolished and returned to green space.

A planning application for the proposals is due to be submitted in April 2023 and now is the time to let us know what you think about the proposals ahead of the planning application being submitted.

Undertaking public engagement with the local community in advance of submitting a planning application is an important part of the process and allows members of the public to engage with the vision for the site and to provide valuable feedback on the proposals. Once the planning application has been submitted, there will also be an opportunity for you to comment as part of the planning application process.

The Site

The Site is located within the Coronation Park in Ormskirk, to the east of County Road (A59) and northwest of the existing Park Pool development, it sits to the south of Churchfields and will link with the existing recreational facilities in the area.

The proposed site is a sustainable location with good pedestrian connections to the town centre, and to public transport links.

The Proposal

The proposed Wellbeing and Leisure Hub will provide new, high-quality and modern fitness and leisure facilities to replace the outdated Ormskirk Park Pool, which would close after the new hub is opened. The current Park Pool will be demolished and returned to green space.

It is proposed that the development will comprise the following facilities:

• 25m, 6 lane main swimming pool
• Learner/Studio pool
• Spa facilities including: Salt Inhalation; Steam Aroma; Steam Rock Sauna
• Gym
• Cafe
• Soft play area
• Parking
• Multi-Purpose rooms

The proposed scheme has been designed to respond to the opportunities and constraints presented by the Site and to take into account the identified needs for a variety of leisure and wellness facilities within the area.

The new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub will sit to the western portion of the Site with a car parking area to the east. The proposed building is to be two-storeys in height with a single main entrance on the northern façade. The building form and appearance draws from the trees that surrounds the site and aims to create a complementary building with a strong and robust ground floor, with a lighter canopy above.

The ground floor will accommodate the reception, main and learner pools, associated wet changing village, soft play areas, cafe, offices, and plant room. The pools are proposed to be located along the western part of the building with views towards the west, south and north. The fitness studios, wellness suite and spa treatment areas and associated dry-changing village are to be located on the first floor of the new building.

Vehicle access to the Site will be taken from County Road, relieving pressure from the town centre, running along the front of the building and leading to the car parking area to the east.

The masterplan for the site is being developed by GT3 Architecture. The masterplan seeks to create a modern and exceptionally high quality, distinctive building set in a sustainable location. The proposed new centre is designed to be accessible, inviting and a place where the community can gather in the context of leisure, health and wellbeing. The building form is user friendly, energy efficient and takes advantage of passive design principles for the main spaces.

Further details can be found in the consultation boards which can be viewed HERE and can also be viewed at the public engagement events at Park Road, Ormskirk L39 3BY on the following dates and times:

• Monday 13th March between 18:30 and 20:00
• Tuesday 14th March between 17:00 and 20:00
• Wednesday 15th March between 09:00 and 14:00

A planning application for the proposals is due to be submitted in April 2023.

Have your say

We would welcome your thoughts on the proposals ahead of submission of the planning application.

Public events will be held at Park Pool, Park Road, Ormskirk L39 3BY on the dates and times listed below, where you can view the proposals, speak to the project team and provide any comments.

• Monday 13th March between 18:30 and 20:00
• Tuesday 14th March between 17:00 and 20:00
• Wednesday 15th March between 09:00 and 14:00

Further Public Events will be held on the below dates, times and venues.

• Friday 17^th March, 10:00-14:00 Concourse, ground floor
• Saturday 18^th March, 09:00-14:00 Ormskirk Market, Moor Street
• Thursday 23^rd March, 10:00-14:00 Ormskirk Market, Moor Street

You can also use the below feedback form to submit any comments. All comments are anonymous however we would ask that you include the first 4 characters of your postcode to assist with our analysis of the comments.

Alternatively, comments can be emailed to consultation@dppukltd.com or posted to:

DPP, Studio 012, Haylofts, St Thomas Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LE.

Please submit your comments by Friday 7th April 2023.