Skelmersdale Wellbeing and Leisure Hub

Introduction

Welcome to the public engagement page for the development of a new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub at Land south of Ingram, Birch Green, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LH.

West Lancashire Borough Council are developing exciting plans for a new Wellbeing and Leisure Hub for Skelmersdale to replace the outdated Nye Bevan Pool.

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 Skelmersdale town centre to the south of Ingram Road, between the existing Asda superstore and the new retail development to the south.

The retail development links into the existing ‘concourse’ where the current Nye Bevan swimming pool is located. The exisitng footpath and cycle network passes through the site and presents an opportunity to link the new centre with the existing built context.

Ingram way runs along the northern site boundary with good views to the south and the Tawd Valley park beyond.

The Proposal

The proposed Wellbeing and Leisure Hub will provide new, high-quality and modern fitness and leisure facilities to replace the outdated Nye Bevan Pool, which would close after the new hub is opened. It is proposed that the development will comprise the following facilities:

• 6-lane main pool (25m)
• Learner/Studio pool
• Immersive studio
• Gym
• Café
• Soft Play Area
• Parking
• Multi-Purpose rooms

The new hub will sit towards the north of the Site with parking to the rear, vehicle access will be taken from Ingram Road to the north. New footpath connections will be created from the east, west and south, leading users to the main entrance on the southeast corner of the building.

It is proposed that the Wellbeing and Leisure Hub will be two-storeys in height with the entrance, reception, café, pool, wet change village and soft play on the ground floor and the fitness suite, gym, change facilities and multi-purpose room on the upper floor. The pools are proposed to be along the southern part of the building.

The form of the building has been developed in response to site opportunities, environmental conditions and the function of the spaces inside. Window sizes and positions have been carefully considered to balance natural light internally and views outside.

The masterplan for the site is being developed by Mab 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 spces. The intention is to create a destination point for local leisure activities, clubs and individuals alike.

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 Nye Bevan Pool, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LT 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 Nye Bevan Pool, Southway, Skelmersdale, WN8 6LT on 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.