A MULTI-MILLION pound leisure centre is earmarked for Crewe after a review criticised existing sports facilities as 'trapped in the 70s.'
Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council chiefs are to consider pulling out of the Victoria Community Centre and Coppenhall Leisure Centre to channel resources into an £8m centre.
Victoria and Coppenhall are on school sites and run by a joint committee of officials from the borough council and the county council.
But a report to the borough's economy and environment Committee meeting tomorrow claims the centres are dated and no longer offer value for money.
Councillors will hear how the authority could save money and provide a multi-purpose centre with sports hall, fitness suite, squash courts, and catering facilities.
The most likely site for the centre would be the Cumberland Arena.
The review also looks at wet facilities, outlining plans for modernising Crewe and Nantwich swimming baths and a long term aim of a pool at the sports centre.
Its says work to keep the 1937-built Crewe baths open for a further five to 10 years would cost £1.7m and that figure does not include modernising the entrance hall, changing rooms or spectator areas.
A council spokesman said: 'The review recognises that the ideal long-term aim would be for the borough council to withdraw from Coppenhall Leisure Centre and Victoria Community Centre and have a new, multi-purpose dry sports facility.
'Both facilities were built in excess of 30 years ago. Neither provide the type of sport and leisure facility that meets with modern expectations.
'A number of private sector organisations have been approached to obtain their views in principle to working with the council to fund and manage a new dry sports facility.
'At this stage their reaction has been cautiously favourable.'
