A LEISURE centre could be rebuilt and a village for the elderly constructed under ambitious plans.
Wrexham County Borough Council chiefs say Plas Madoc Leisure Centre is out-of-date and too expensive to run, costing more than £1m per year.
They are looking at either a refurbishment or demolishing the complex and building another from scratch.
It comes as plans to build a £7.4m 73-unit old people’s village next to the leisure centre, so vulnerable over-60s can live independently, come another step closer.
There are no estimates how much a new leisure centre would cost, but the next phase is to get design consultants on board to look at options including a revamp or rebuild.
Plas Madoc Leisure Centre was built 35 years ago and proved a popular destination for locals with its wave machine and sports facilities.
But Wrexham’s chief leisure, libraries and culture officer, Alan Watkin, said: “Facilities such as Plas Madoc were only meant to last about 30 years when they are either modified or rebuilt.
“It could have also have the potential to combine the leisure centre with a health clinic for the area.
“We felt it appropriate to appoint a design team to provide the new Plas Madoc.
“This is part of a review of the leisure facilities.”
The new-look centre would have a modern pool, gym, sports hall and play area, and would be cheaper to run, using new technology to heat and clean pools, meaning the building costs would eventually be recouped.
The council has been in negotiations with the Pennaf Housing Group to build the elderly people’s village next to the leisure centre on the main car park.
Council chiefs want to revamp another car park at the rear of the leisure centre for customers, so the building of the units, with health support and social services on site, can get under way.
If all goes well work on the units, to be paid for by Pennaf, should start in January and be completed a year later.
The council promised to refocus on schemes for the elderly after the closure of the authority’s elderly care homes.
Mr Watkin said: “This is an exciting scheme which is a major addition to our facilities.”
The proposals will be discussed by Wrexham’s executive board on Tuesday.
