Temporary Alloa pool plan is approved by Clacks Council

Proposals from ReCreation and partners Box Architects for the interim pool at the Marshill Car Park, located next to Alloa Town Hall, have been approved by the planning department at Clackmannanshire Council.

It is anticipated work on the temporary structure and six-lane pool will begin this summer and the facility should be operational by the end of the year or in early 2023, it is understood.

There are still several conditions that need to be satisfied before the works can begin, including a revised layout incorporating direct segregated footpath links from Mar Place and Ludgate across the site to connect with the entrance to the swimming pool.

As previously reported, the temporary pool is to provide swimming provision in the wake of the closure of Alloa Leisure Bowl and while proposals for a wellbeing hub, including a pool, are being progressed by the local authority.

Planning conditions have made it clear that the use of the pool will cease, and the site should be reverted to its current car park state, no later than June 30 in 2027.

Some improvements can be expected around Mar Place as part of the development to encourage active and sustainable travel to the pool.

This will include a zebra crossing from the bus stop across the road.

The council's roads department also indicated that the introduction of raised bus boarder kerbing at the eastbound bus stop on Mar Place is required to better serve less able bodied people visiting the facilities.

To be built around the footprint of the former Alloa Health Centre, the pool will reduce the amount of car parking space by around 55.

In a note to the applicant, the planning department said: “Given the reduction in parking spaces required to accommodate the development it is suggested consideration be given to whether part of the car park which served the former Leisure Bowl could be made available for visitors to the temporary pool given its relative accessibility to the site.”