19th January, 2010

In the plan Project Worthing has put forward an alternative arena design for the new swimming pool including an ice rink and conference facilities.  The proposed new swimming pool will be 50 metres compared to the present council design of 25 metres.

The Project arose as a direct response to the cross-party Ice Rink petition which generated over 4000 signatures and presented to the Council 12 months ago as well the need for providing more activities for families.

The original Project Worthing concept included a lagoon, housing and a hotel but this aspect has been put on hold for the moment in order to speed up the building of the new pool.

To convince investors, Project Worthing asked for a commitment from Worthing Borough Council to grant a lease on the Aquarena site.  After a lively debate the Cabinet agreed to give this 'serious consideration' - provided work on the current pool design could continue alongside the current plans for a new pool.

Hazel Thorpe, Worthing Liberal Democrats Deputy Leader, said: "We believe the council should explore the potential and welcome the Cabinet's decision to give serious consideration to the Project Worthing plan.  The people have waited over three decades for better facilities both in the Arts and the Sports arena - let's be courageous."

Robin Rogers, Shadow Spokesman for Culture, Leisure and Sport, added: " The choice for Worthing is clear between a 50 metre pool against a 25 metre one; an ice rink against no ice rink; conference facilities against no conference facilities and no need for council taxpayers to borrow money against borrowing money."