Call to use listed Wolverhampton baths for housing
A grade II listed swimming baths and library should be knocked down and replaced with houses, it was claimed today, after multi-million pound plans to turn it into a sports academy were shelved.
The Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy, announced four years ago by the Olympic legend herself, was earmarked for the former Heath Town leisure complex in Tudor Road, Wolverhampton.
But Wolverhampton City Council revealed this week that the project was now unlikely to go ahead and alternative options for the site were being explored.
Heath Town councillor Milkinder Jaspal said he was not surprised the project had been shelved.
"It was a non-starter, I think there was a duplication of the facilities in Wolverhampton," he said.
"We have already got a similar outlet at the Bert Williams Leisure Centre in Bilston and a lot of the schools provide similar services."
The former mayor said he had distanced himself from the project from the beginning as it was "not going to take off, it is doomed".
Councillor Jaspal went on to say that the best thing for the area was a residential development.
"I do really think the Heath Town Baths should be bowled down, even though it is protected. I can't see anything of great value when it has been left to rot."
The baths were shut in 2003 after the council's health and safety team deemed the building unsafe. It has stood empty ever since.
The councillor said he also believed any public funds spent on the planned academy should be paid back.
"I think the council and the people who approved this ought to hang their heads in shame. It must never be repeated again."
Local resident David Hawtin, who is part of the group who put together the Heathfield Park Neighbourhood Plan, said the site was earmarked only for leisure in the plan, not housing. He believed a community centre would be a good use of the property.
A Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, Mr Hawtin said if plans are made to develop the site for something else they will be 'opposed vigorously'.
The Neighbourhood Plan forms part of the council's planning system, and enables the community to have a stronger voice on planning issues in their local area.
The Tessa Sanderson Foundation was unavailable for comment.
Wolverhampton City Council was unavailable for comment.
