Making a Splash! ......Coventry's New Waterpark
Member of the Coventry Society Committee have taken a closer look at the plans for the new City Centre Swimming Pool and Sport Centre in New Union Street, Coventry. The new building, which will house a water park with slides, a 25 metre swimming pool, gym, climbing wall, squash courts, dance studio and a Day Spa. It has been designed to reflect Coventry’s ribbon weaving past – with the outside appearing to be wrapped by a swirling ribbon. The committee were impressed by the range of facilities included in the project which will make a very positive step in implementing the City Centre Area Action Plan.
The building will sit on the site of Spire House and Christchurch House, next to Christchurch spire. It has being designed by international architects FaulknerBrowns and the project managers are Appleyard & True. The circular building will be dramatically lit at night. The building height of 24 metres is sympathetic to the adjoining Spire. It will have active frontages and will interact with the surrounding public realm. The building will be taking heat from the City Heatline project.
Water Technology Inc. (WTI), who specialise in water park development, are providing specialist advice on the design of the pools and indoor features which could include a wave pool, lazy river, children’s splash pad, children’s play structure and six water slides. One interesting approach is that everyone will have an electronic arm band which monitors how long they have been in the main pool areas and you have to come out when your time is up.
The planning application is timed for this month with a decision expected in approximately three months’ time to enable demolition to start in October.
Most reports describe the building as a “splash pool”; but it’s a lot more than that! A snappy name is required for this new Leisure Centre, any ideas?