Update: Welwyn Garden City swim pool cash dream dashed
YMCA bosses have expressed their disappointment that a bid for cash for a landmark youth and community centre was snubbed by the Government. As reported earlier on www.whtimes24.co.uk earlier, the YMCA's bid for
YMCA bosses have expressed their disappointment that a bid for cash for a landmark youth and community centre was snubbed by the Government.
As reported earlier on www.whtimes24.co.uk earlier, the YMCA's bid for �5m - more than a third of the overall cost of the project in the heart of WGC - has this week been turned down.
But bosses have vowed to carry on with the "world class" facility, which includes a swimming pool.
The WHT exclusively revealed in October last year the �14m plans for the former Roche car park site in Broadwater Road - opposite the area Tesco has earmarked for development.
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As well as a 25m pool, first-class facilities such as a skate park, a climbing wall and activitity studios would be provided, with free access for youngsters.
The YMCA was one of more than 200 applications for cash from the Government's MyPlace scheme.
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Despite being shortlisted, it was not one of 41 successful projects - instead being placed on a reserve list.
YMCA Central Herts chief executive Robin Webb said: "We are obviously disappointed at the decision not to allocate funding from the MyPlace programme to our world class project.
"However, the YMCA remains committed to developing new youth and community leisure facilities in the Broadwater Road area and we are keen to exploit the funding sources we have already identified.
"The process has raised the aspirations of thousands of people across Welwyn Hatfield and beyond and we aim to build on this as we explore alternative ways of funding and delivering our project over the coming months."
He said: "A massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in this journey so far - we will continue to involve people as we refine and develop our ideas over the coming months."
Mr Webb added talks with Spenhill - the regeneration arm of Tesco - were continuing over a potential partnership for its own swimming pool plans.
