BUILDING a six-lane swimming pool at Monmouth would cost £2.5million less than previously estimated.

A report into the preferred option of creating six lanes at a new 25-metre swimming pool, said the latest estimate is £5.168million compared to the original figure of £7.73million. The original option of a four-lane pool is estimated to cost £6million.

The report, by Ian Saunders, the council’s head of tourism, leisure and culture, said the estimated cost has significantly reduced because the new plan will see the pool built within Monmouth Comprehensive School’s £36million redevelopment as part of the council’s 21st Century Schools programme.

The council has committed to building a replacement 25metre pool that would include a sauna and a steam room and cover approximately 1,085 square metres.

The pool needs replacing because it will be unable to fully meet the needs, standards and regulations of a sporting venue in a few years. It is currently used by the comprehensive school’s pupils, eight primary schools and three other primary schools outside Monmouthshire.

Mr Saunders said the change of plan will mean that the build time will increase from one to two years but is the preferred option following discussions with officers, clubs and users.

While the current pool is closed the council hopes the pool at Haberdasher’s Monmouth School for Girls will be used as a temporary replacement.

Funding of £4million has been agreed as part of the 21st Century Programme, leaving £1.168million that the council will have to borrow.

The predicted income from a 25metre six lane swimming pool is £422,422.00 which is £178,321.99 more than the predicted income from a 20metre four-lane pool.

Councillors will consider the revised costs and plan at a meeting of the full council at County Hall, near Usk on June 25.