City eyes 'special' scheme in leisure centre revamp

A former leisure centre is to be flattened to create a “special” city scheme, regeneration bosses have revealed.

Redford Developments has secured Government backing to demolish Coventry Central Baths.

Officials say razing the swimming pool complex will “bring the area back to life” and provide “a bright future” for the cathedral city.

Make Architects has drawn up initial design concepts and sustainability plans for the site.

The four-acre Olympic-sized pool hub was opened in the 1960s, but has stood empty since 2020 after being superseded by Coventry’s Alan Higgs Centre and The Wave indoor water park.

Councillor Lynnette Kelly, Coventry City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said the move paves the way for fresh development, adding it will remove an annual £400,000 security and maintenance bill.

She said: “Since the site closed, there has been extensive work carried out to find a suitable use. 

“We would have loved to protect the baths, as the building has a place in many people’s hearts.

“But we must find a way to bring this area back to life - and demolition approval enables us to plan something special.”

Richard Mees, chief executive at Henley-in-Arden-based Redford Developments, added: “Considerable efforts to repurpose the site have been undertaken, including a national marketing exercise and significant work by our consultant team to explore all possible options to retain the asset.

“As a cleared site in the beating heart of such a vibrant city centre, it will have a bright future.” 

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