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Campaign handed pool revamp chance
Reading Borough Council (RBC) has given campaigners two years to fund plans for the redevelopment of a former swimming pool in Caversham after rejecting proposals put forward by developer Askett Hawk.
Askett Hawk had been named as the council's preferred developer for the King's Meadow Pool revamp in April, but rival proposals drawn up by King's Meadow Campaign (KMC) have now been backed by councillors. KMC plans to reopen the Grade II-listed open air swimming pool to the public for use during summer months, which could then be converted for other purposes in the winter, such as an ice rink, an exhibition centre or an arena.
The campaign has now been given two years to convince RBC that it can secure funding for the scheme, which is expected to cost around £2.7m, although the council has made it clear that no public money will be made available to help fund the project. Earlier this year, concerns had been raised by the council over the plans put forward by Askett Hawk on the grounds that they failed to meet the planning brief for the local area.
Askett Hawk had proposed redeveloping the swimming pool for use as a spa to form part of a new leisure destination, incorporating a 60-bedroom boutique hotel, along with restaurants and bars.
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