Walsall Gala Baths could be replaced by new pool and car park

Walsall Council is looking at creating more modern leisure facilities in the town centre as part of a partnership with a private car park operator.

Bosses have been looking at an unconfirmed site for the possible complex which would could see swimming and leisure provided at the base and car parking above.

Initial discussions have taken place and comes after the council had looked at the potential for a £1 million revamp of the outdated Gala Baths which dates back more than 50 years.

But this was subject to funding and comes as the cash-strapped council has needed to make millions of cuts this year.

A 2,000 name petition was launched last year amid fears the town centre leisure centre in Tower Street could shut.

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird confirmed that a new facility was something the authority was currently looking at and some discussions had taken place.

Council chiefs are remaining tight-lipped about the possible location although say it would be in the town centre.

Negotiations are at an early stage and providing Brine Pool facilities similar to what is at Gala Baths will form part of the talks.

It is thought the new leisure complex will be predominantly funded through the car park operator.

"We have been looking at the possibility of getting a multi-storey car park in the town centre and a leisure facility at the base of it," Councillor Bird said.

"People could probably park their car there above and then use the facility.

"The benefits are we would look to secure the facility at little or no cost. We have looked at a couple of operators."

Regeneration boss councillor Adrian Andrew added: "We are looking to try and improve parking and leisure facilities.

"The Gala Baths is over 50 years old and we do need to look at it. With the Gala Baths there is no parking."

It comes as a multi-million pound shake-up of leisure centres is being planned across the borough.

An initial assessment of how a £1m upgrade could be carried out at the iconic baths was carried out by the council.

But the authority has been faced with £21m budget cuts this year and work would have needed to find funds for any work to be carried out.

Some of the original suggestions were for a new water flume, more play features and an expanded fitness suite.

A unisex changing area, competition pool and reduced depth of the main pool are also among a provisional package of proposals.