A TEMPORARY swimming pool could be hired by Clackmannanshire Council to provide an opportunity for activities in Alloa until a wellbeing hub is developed.

The pool could be put in place at a Marshill site in the town as part of interim swimming arrangements before a facility planned to replace the Leisure Bowl is fully operational.

Elected members will hear about the proposals at a full council meeting tomorrow, Thursday October 21, with a business case to be further developed by December.

Council papers reveal the arrangement could be similar to a model which was put in place in Dumfries and Galloway.

The local authority there had partnered with Total Swimming, founded by Olympic swimmers Steve Parry and Adrian Turner, in 2014 to house a temporary pool.

This facility hosted a 25-metre, five-lane pool and ancillary services, including fully-accessible changing rooms, showers, toilets and reception area.

A steel framed building with PVC coated walls and a "thermo-envelope translucent roofing system" housed the Dumfries and Galloway pool which operated for around two years.

According to Total Swimming, that project cost just over £700,000 with a 14-week build, overall footprint of 875sqm and an expected de-rig duration of four weeks.

Council papers said: "A similar arrangement could be achieved for Clackmannanshire within approximately 7-10 months, providing access to a six lane, 25m pool for residents, families and

children, including learn to swim provision."

Indeed, documents to go in front of Clacks councillors said officers are considering how swimming lessons for all P5 children could be reinstated using the temporary pool.

There are hopes to begin design and construction early next year with the interim pool possibly ready by the summer of 2022, depending on uncertainties.

Speaking of risks, council papers noted that the supply chain and labour markets "are experiencing a period of uncertainty and volatility" and this could impact on costs and timelines.

Depending on the above, a full handover could be delayed beyond the summer of 2022 and the temporary pool will be subject to planning consent.

Council papers added: "Any unforeseen twists in the trajectory of the Covid pandemic may impact on timelines, costs and labour availability."

Representatives at Kilncraigs will also hear about progress on the development of a new-build wellbeing hub and swimming pool for Clackmannanshire.

Councillors will be asked to agree to progress the development of plans to "RIBA Stage 1" and to take forward a detailed options appraisal to inform a business case.

The planning is following the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work where stage one includes "preparation and briefing".

Consultation with a range of partners, including sportscotland as well as partners in health and social care, and the community has been ongoing in the past months.

Key themes emerging from community engagement include the clear need for a swimming pool, activities for children and families, fully accessible facilities with strong travel links and opportunities to enhance personal wellbeing.

Future progress reports could come in front of the council in December and February.

Ahead of the meeting, Cllr Craig Holden said: "Councillors will be provided with an update on the tremendous progress being made by our officers to deliver Clackmannanshire’s wellbeing hub and have an opportunity to approve plans for a state of the art temporary swimming pool while the wellbeing hub is being progressed. We have listened to the feedback from groups and individuals throughout Clackmannanshire and are now in a position to move to the next stage.

"These are exciting times for everyone involved and our key priority is to make sure that we deliver the kind of leisure and wellbeing facilities that work for all of our residents, at every stage of their lives. That is why we are also seeking Council approval for officers to bring forward proposals for the re-introduction of swimming lessons for all Primary 5 school pupils.

"This is a key moment for the future of leisure and wellbeing provision in Clackmannanshire and I hope that Councillors will take this opportunity to show that we have a shared vision and are committed to delivering in the fastest time possible.”