Ayr’s new £40 million leisure centre could boast three swimming pools if given the go-ahead.
An early outline shows two of the pools may have movable floors so the water depth can be changed when needed.
More details have come to light as councillors prepare to vote on whether to pave the way for a consultation on the venture.
The leisure centre is to be built on the site of Hourstons, the Arran Mall and the car park on Dalblair Road. It would replace the Citadel.
A South Ayrshire Council report said: “The creation of a leisure hub would increase footfall and extend the active hours of this area of the town centre, allowing more nightlife to thrive and more community activities to take place.”
The council has already splashed out £621,500 on Hourstons and set aside £3.7 million to buy the Arran Mall.
A report due to go before South Ayrshire Council’s leadership panel said the front part of Hourstons is to be retained and incorporated into the building.
A footprint of the building shows cars can enter from Dalblair Road and Alloway Street with pedestrian access also from both roads.
Potential features of new leisure centre revealed by council:
- A 25 x 17 metre eight lane competition pool with mobile floor and timing system;
- Flexible pool measuring 20 x 10 metres with mobile floor;
- A 220 metre2 family fun area;
- Wet changing area;
- Spectator seating for 140;
- Gym;
- Cafe;
- Hall.
It is estimated the new two storey building could handle 50 per cent more swimming lessons that the Citadel.
Ruling SNP and Labour councillors are due to vote on whether a ‘new project request’ for the leisure centre should be submitted to public – private partnership organisation HubSW to appoint contractors.
The leisure centre paper will come in front of the politicians at a leadership panel meeting next week held in private.
The development plan is still at an early stage and would go through a public consultation process before construction gets the go-ahead.
Opposition Conservative councillors are against the new build and want the Citadel refurbished instead.
They would prefer the rundown South Harbour Street pool to receive a £9m makeover instead.
