68% want Shrewsbury swimming pool to stay at the Quarry as consultation document released

Analysis of the consultation by 4 global showed a "strong feeling" that the pool should stay at its Quarry site.

But 4 global, which analysed the responses and data, found there was no obvious solution about what should happen to the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre – a rebuild, upgrade or refurbishment.

The review found the consultation had been a "robust" process and more detailed statistics have been revealed about what people in the area hope will happen to the pool.

This infographic has been released to show how the votes were cast:

• Click here to read the report in full

The five-month consultation, which closed on October 30, received nearly 2,000 responses from individuals, partners, clubs, groups, councillors and businesses across the county.

Shropshire Council appointed industry experts 4 global Consulting to undertake a critical review of the consultation which will now help shape proposals to be drawn up by the council.

Seven different site options were put forward as part of the consultation including the refurbishment of the existing Quarry Pool, the renovation of the existing Quarry Pool and a new build on site of the existing Quarry Pool.

Other options were a new build on land at Clayton Way, a new build on land at Ellesmere Road, a new build on land at the Shrewsbury Sports Village and a new build on land at Shrewsbury College.

Combined, 68.06 per cent preffered keeping the pool at the Quarry site which included just over 22 per cent wanting a new build on the Quarry site, 23.5 per cent preferring a refurbishment of the Quarry receiving and 21.67 per cent preferring an upgrade of the Quarry.

Respondents cited the central location, accessibility, economic impact on the town centre and convenience as the main reasons for the Quarry preference.

The Shrewsbury Sports Village was the most preferred alternative location (16.54%) with respondents citing the complementary existing facilities, ease of access and good parking.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "I'd like to thank 4 global for their thorough and detailed analysis of the consultation and its findings.

"This report, alongside a range of other considerations including financial affordability, will help the council to bring forward detailed proposals for future swimming provision in Shrewsbury."

A report recommending a preferred option is due to be considered by Shropshire Council's Cabinet in July.