SANCTUARY Group has been named as the developer of the former swimming pool site at Sansome Walk as the long-running saga over the revamp of the site came to an end.
City council chiefs, who currently own the land, announced the decision to sell the site following a fresh open competitive procurement process.
Sanctuary previously looked set to take over the site under proposals for a development of 76 new homes which went through consultation with local residents.
Under the new plans, the Worcester-based housing provider is looking to build 40 affordable housing units on the site, subject to planning.
Last year the City Council appointed DSM Demolition Limited to demolish the former swimming pool site and remediate the site for development. The City Council will meet the cost of the work, which is expected to be in the region of £2.636million in total. The cost will be supported by a grant from central Government’s Land Release Fund.
The city’s former pool has been closed since the new multi-million pound leisure centre opened its doors in Perdiswell in 2017. The site has been blighted with problems after the discovery of asbestos in the derelict building.
David Soothill, Sanctuary’s Director of Development for England, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as the development partner for this important site in the heart of Worcester.
“As a major investor and employer in the city, we have always maintained a keen interest in the site and believe this new proposed development will be a great addition of much needed high-quality affordable housing for the community.”
Coun Marc Bayliss, leader of Worcester City Council, said: “There is a clear need for more affordable properties for local people to rent in Worcester. We are delighted that Sanctuary, with its strong track record for delivering high quality social housing developments, will create a new and positive future for the site.”
“We will work closely with local residents throughout the demolition and construction phases, ensuring that they are kept well informed throughout the process.”
Sanctuary intends to submit a planning application by early summer, with demolition of the existing building due for completion in the Autumn.
