FEARS have been quashed over a suggestion to site an £8m sports centre on a Hoole park.
Cheshire West and Chester Council has categorically denied the authority is contemplating locating a leisure centre on Coronation Park, off Hoole Road.
A source told The Chronicle the council made the suggestion during early stage discussions but Cllr Bob Thompson (Hoole and Newton) was informed by officers the idea came from a developer.
He said: “I’m relieved that there are no plans to develop that ‘green lung’ in the heart of Hoole into a built-up area with all the attendant noise, light and vehicle movements.”
“If there was any credence to this story at any stage then I’m told the threat has receded but we remain vigilant to protect our heritage for the future.”
The council’s long term aim is to sell off the aging Northgate Arena site for retail but gain private investment to build two sports centres – in the east and west of the city.
Six companies are talking to CWAC about creating £60m sporting facilities across the borough including Pulse, Morgan Sindall and Bell Developments, who are behind the Blacon student village plan and associated sports centre which would serve the west.
Rumours had also been circulating that the University of Chester had plans to convert the former NHS supply building in Lightfoot Street, Hoole, into student flats. But Cllr Thompson has spoken to Vice Chancellor Tim Wheeler who says the university was approached and evaluated the site but decided not to proceed.
The councillor does not believe anyone has bought the building but urged any prospective purchaser to work with the community over their plans.
